Damascus Bombings During Macron Visit Kill One and Wound 36; Syrian Authorities Arrest Suspects

Syrian authorities arrested several suspects accused of recent explosions in Damascus, including bombings that occurred during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit earlier this week. Security forces carried out raids in the capital and surrounding areas and dismantled the entire cell responsible, the Interior Ministry said in a statement.

The ministry did not provide information on the identity or affiliation of the suspects.

On Tuesday, explosive devices were planted in a garbage bin and a parked car. Macron was in the presidential palace when the blasts occurred but was not harmed and continued his meeting with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa. The explosions killed one person and wounded 36 others, according to the final casualty toll announced by Syria's Ministry of Health.

Last week, an explosive device detonated in a cafe near Damascus' main judicial complex, killing at least 10 people and wounding more than 20. No group claimed responsibility for either attack. Syrian Interior Minister Anas Khattab said the cell responsible for the Tuesday bombings was now in custody.

He said authorities would reveal the identities of the cell's members, their roles and all their links after investigations were completed. The nearly 14-year Syrian civil war killed nearly half a million people and displaced millions. Former President Bashar Assad was ousted in an insurgent offensive in December 2024 led by Ahmad al-Sharaa.