Explosive devices detonate near Damascus hotel during official visit

Two explosive devices detonated near a hotel in Damascus where an official was staying during a visit to the Syrian capital. Security sources said one device was found in a bin and the second in a vehicle near the hotel. The explosions occurred in a busy area between the Syrian tourism ministry and the national museum.

Injuries and response Eighteen people were injured, four of whom were later identified as local police officers. Roads were sealed off and additional security measures were implemented after the blasts. Security forces launched search operations to identify those responsible, Syria's state-run Al-Ekhbariya TV reported. The official was traveling in a motorcade at the time and was not injured.

Context of the visit The visit marks the first time a European Union leader has traveled to Syria since the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime in 2024. Ahead of the visit, the official stated a commitment to a sovereign Syria united in its diversity and at peace with its neighbors. The official is scheduled to attend a NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, after concluding meetings with Syrian officials.