Over 18 people have been wounded following the explosion that rocked central Damascus on Tuesday, and which has affected the historic visit to Syria by the president of France, Emmanuel Macron.
According to Syria’s government, the explosions occurred as a result of two IEDs that were planted inside a garbage can and inside a parked car. The explosion took place within a span of few minutes from each other at a heavily populated area near the ministry of tourism of Syria.
Explosions Shake High-Security District
It has been verified that at least 18 people got injured, out of which four police officers and some civilians were included. The deputy tourism minister was also counted among those who got injured. No deaths have been reported so far. An exhaustive inquiry has been undertaken by the authorities to investigate the matter. No group has claimed responsibility for the bombings.
The security forces immediately cordoned off the location while the injured were being tended to by the emergency service workers at the scene before being shifted to the hospitals.
Macron Continues Diplomatic Visit Despite Attack
French President Emmanuel Macron had not sustained any injuries from the explosion. When the explosions occurred, the French president was already inside the presidential palace having meetings with the President of Syria, Ahmad al-Sharaa. Based on the information from the Syrian authorities, the explosions took place right outside the periphery that was designed to ensure the security of the visiting delegation.
Despite the explosions, Macron went ahead with his meetings, where he discussed matters such as political transition, economic revival, security issues, and possibilities for cooperation with Syria. The French president’s visit is a first visit by an important Western politician after the Syrian political transition from Bashar al-Assad’s rule in late 2024.
Security Concerns Persist in Post-Conflict Syria
Tuesday’s bombings highlight the continuing security challenges facing Syria’s transitional government despite improvements in stability across much of the country. Authorities remain concerned about the presence of extremist cells and other armed groups capable of carrying out attacks in the capital.
This comes days after another bomb explosion hit a cafe outside the Palace of Justice in Damascus, resulting in the deaths of at least nine people and several injuries. Though the official cause is yet to be determined for these attacks, these attacks have raised questions regarding the militant presence in Damascus.
The authorities have promised to find out who is behind Tuesday’s bombings and punish those individuals involved. The investigation is ongoing as experts continue looking at the evidence left behind at the crime scene while at the same time enhancing security at government and diplomatic facilities.
This is a developing story.
Sources: Al Jazeera, and DAWN News.