56 minutes ago
7
ARTICLE AD BOX
Last Updated:July 10, 2026, 02:22 IST
Two blasts struck central Damascus on Tuesday, killing one person and injuring dozens during Macron’s first visit to Syria.
Police officers stand at an area cordoned off with police tape near the site of the blast in central Damascus, Syria. (Source: Reuters)
Syrian authorities on Thursday said that they had captured a cell responsible for carrying out two bomb blasts in Damascus during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit earlier this week.
“The cell responsible for the terrorist bombings that targeted Damascus two days ago is now in our custody," Syria’s Interior Minister Anas Khattab said in a post on X.
He added that details about the suspects, their roles and their possible links would be made public after investigations were completed.
Raids Conducted Across Damascus
The Syrian Interior Ministry said the cell was captured after a series of simultaneous raids targeting suspects at different locations across Damascus and surrounding areas.
The ministry said the raids took place in four neighbourhoods, including two areas with populations from the Alawite minority of former Syrian ruler Bashar al-Assad.
Two blasts struck central Damascus on Tuesday, killing one person and injuring dozens during Macron’s first visit to Syria.
The explosions happened near the hotel where Macron had stayed, shortly after he left the building and before Syrian state media announced his arrival at the presidential palace for a meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
Blasts During Macron Visit
Following the explosions, Macron said such attacks should not disrupt efforts to support Syria.
“We must not let ourselves be destabilised," Macron said at a joint news conference, while reaffirming France’s support for the country.
The blasts came during the first visit by a European Union head of state to Syria since the fall of Assad in 2024.
(With inputs from agencies)
Handpicked stories, in your inbox
A newsletter with the best of our journalism
About the Author
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ...Read More
News world Syria Arrests Suspected Cell Behind Damascus 'Terrorist Bombings' During Macron Visit
Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Read More
English (US) ·