At least 18 people were injured after a series of explosions struck the Syrian capital, Damascus, during French President Emmanuel Macron’s official visit, highlighting the fragile security situation that continues to grip the country despite years of declining large-scale conflict.

According to Al Arabiya, an official from Syria’s Ministry of Tourism was among those injured in the explosions. Emergency responders rushed to the scene, evacuating the wounded to nearby hospitals as security forces sealed off the affected areas and launched an investigation into the cause of the blasts.

The explosions occurred while President Macron was holding high-level meetings with Syrian officials, where discussions were expected to focus on regional security, reconstruction efforts, economic recovery, and expanding diplomatic engagement. The incident cast a shadow over the visit, underscoring the persistent security challenges facing Syria.

No group has immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, and Syrian authorities have yet to announce the exact cause of the explosions. However, Damascus has experienced several similar incidents in recent years, including bombings and attacks blamed on militant groups and extremist cells that continue to operate despite the government’s recapture of much of the country.

Although major front-line fighting has largely subsided since the peak of Syria’s civil war, security threats remain a significant concern. Insurgent attacks, targeted assassinations, and periodic bombings continue to occur in parts of the country, while millions of Syrians remain displaced and much of the nation’s infrastructure remains devastated after more than a decade of conflict.

Macron’s visit comes amid renewed international efforts to engage with Syria over regional stability, humanitarian assistance, and reconstruction. However, the latest explosions serve as a reminder that security remains one of the country’s greatest obstacles to long-term recovery and political normalization.