Macron unharmed in Damascus twin blasts, as 18 people injured VIDEO/UPDATED

At least 18 people, including four police officers, were injured in two explosions in Damascus during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Syria, according to the Syrian Interior Ministry

Authorities said police discovered the explosive devices before they were detonated, but bomb disposal experts were unable to defuse them in time, SANA reports. 

According to French newspaper Le Figaro, one bomb had been concealed in a trash container, while the other was planted in a car near a hotel.

The Interior Ministry said the explosion site was outside the security perimeter designated for the residence of French President Emmanuel Macron and posed no direct threat to his accommodation or to the official visit.

The Élysée Palace said President Macron was not affected by the blasts and is continuing his visit to Syria as planned.

During the visit, Macron is meeting with Syria's acting president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, and is accompanied by a delegation of investors and business representatives seeking to strengthen economic cooperation between the two countries.

12:07

Explosions were reported in central Damascus on July 7 while French President Emmanuel Macron was meeting Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa during a landmark visit to Syria.

According to the French presidency, Macron did not hear the explosions. His office said he was on his way to meet al-Sharaa, while other reports said the blasts occurred after his motorcade had departed the Four Seasons Hotel and as he was inside the presidential palace for talks, foreign media reports.

Syrian media reported that Macron was staying at the Four Seasons Hotel. The explosions were reported near the hotel.

Syrian newspaper Al-Watan and Syria TV said two explosions were heard in the heart of the capital, with a large plume of smoke visible from the scene. Videos circulating on social media appeared to show a burning vehicle and bloodstains on the street.

11:52

Explosive devices detonated on July 7 near a hotel in Syria's capital, Damascus, where French President Emmanuel Macron was expected to stay, according to a security source.

The explosions prompted authorities to seal off roads and implement heightened security measures in the area, Reuters reports.

A Reuters witness reported hearing blasts nearby and seeing smoke rising following the explosions.

Macron is the first major European Union leader to visit Damascus since Syrian President Bashar al-Assad was toppled.

By Sabina Mammadli