Explosions rocked central Damascus on Tuesday during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Syria, with footage and reporting pointing to blasts near the Damascus Four Seasons hotel, an area known for hosting foreigners and dignitaries. Syrian state media said two explosions caused 18 injuries, including four police officers, with additional officials believed among the hurt.

French officials said Macron did not hear the blasts and was not harmed. His motorcade continued through the streets to a scheduled meeting with Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa at the presidential palace. The Élysée said the attack site was outside the security perimeter designated for Macron’s residence and did not pose a direct threat to him or disrupt the planned program.

Video circulating online showed a vehicle on fire after the first blast and smoke rising after a subsequent explosion, with people fleeing afterward. The reporting also said Macron had been meeting Syrian civil society groups in the area before the explosions, and later met Al-Sharaa following the blasts.

The visit is described as significant for Syria’s efforts to build closer ties with Western nations following major political changes in late 2024.