Major Security Lapse for French President Macron? Series of Explosions Rock Syria Near Hotel

Damascus: There was a sensation in Damascus on Tuesday when French President Emmanuel Macron was present in the city. Two massive explosions took place in an area of the capital where arrangements were made to accommodate foreign guests. After the blasts, there was a stampede in the entire area. Security forces immediately swung into action and surrounded the place.

According to initial news, 18 people have been injured, including some security personnel. It is a matter of relief that Macron was not in the hotel at that time. He had reached Rashtrapati Bhavan to meet Syria's new President Ahmed al-Shara.

Where did the explosions occur?

According to eyewitnesses, the first explosion took place in the central part of the city, while after some time the second explosion was also heard in the same area. After both the explosions, black smoke spread into the sky and there was panic among the people present nearby. Security forces sealed the spot and called bomb disposal squads and investigation agencies to the spot. In the initial investigation, it is suspected that the explosives were kept on the roadside.

Why was Macron's programme not changed?

Despite the incident, the official programme of the French president was not cancelled. After assessing the threat, the security agencies safely transported the delegation to the president's office. French officials said that the president is completely safe and all the scheduled programmes of the tour will be completed on time. This visit is being considered important from the point of view of relations between Syria and Europe.

How important is this visit for Syria?

This is the first official visit by a major leader of a European country after the departure of Bashar al-Assad. Macron and President Ahmed al-Sharaa discussed how to rebuild Syria, how to support security, investment and humanitarian aid. France has clearly said that if the situation remains stable then it is ready to play a big role in the reconstruction of Syria.

Does the security situation still remain a challenge?

In recent months, several violent incidents have occurred in and around Damascus. Security forces say that extremist groups active in different parts of the country are still trying to spread instability. Experts believe that even after the formation of the new government, the security arrangements have not been completely normalised, and that is why unprecedented security arrangements are being made during the visit of foreign leaders.

What was the purpose of the attack?

At present no organisation has taken responsibility for the blast. Investigating agencies are trying to find out whether the target of the blasts was the security forces or the foreign delegation or to spread panic in the capital. The Syrian administration has said that all aspects are being investigated and strict action will be taken against the culprits as soon as they are identified.