Damascus Bombings Kill One and Wound 36 During Macron Visit; Suspects Arrested

Syrian authorities arrested several suspects accused of bombings that struck Damascus on Tuesday while French President Emmanuel Macron was in the capital. Security forces carried out raids in Damascus and surrounding areas, dismantling the cell responsible for the attacks, the Interior Ministry said. The devices had been planted in a garbage bin and a parked car.

The explosions killed one person and wounded 36 others, according to Syria's Ministry of Health. Macron was meeting Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa at the presidential palace when the blasts occurred but was not harmed and continued the discussions. 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 stated that the cell behind the Tuesday bombings is now in custody. He said authorities would reveal the members' identities, roles, and links after investigations are 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.