• Two improvised explosive devices detonated in Damascus during French President Macron's visit, leaving at least 18 people injured.
• The explosions occurred near the hotel where Macron was reportedly staying, but he was unharmed and his official programme continued as scheduled.
• Security forces discovered the bombs and were in the process of defusing them when both devices exploded, prompting emergency response and ongoing investigations.

At least 18 people, including four police officers, were injured when two improvised explosive devices detonated in Damascus on Tuesday, the Interior Ministry said.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a British-based monitoring group, said that an initial blast was followed within seconds by a more powerful explosion, both near the hotel where French President Emmanuel Macron is reportedly staying during his visit to Syria.

The Élysée Palace in Paris confirmed that Macron was unharmed. The explosions caused alarm among residents in the Syrian capital.

According to the Interior Ministry, cited by the official SANA news agency, the explosions occurred outside the security perimeter established for the French president's visit and posed no direct threat to Macron or his official programme, which was continuing as scheduled.

The official visit would continue as planned, the ministry said.

The Interior Ministry said security forces discovered the two bombs and specialist units then began preparations to defuse them.

However, both devices exploded whilst the work was in progress. Specialist teams subsequently carried out searches and implemented security measures in the surrounding area.

Emergency services and ambulances reportedly rushed to the scene immediately. Security forces also cordoned off the surrounding area.

Initial investigations suggest that one of the devices had been placed in a car parked at the side of the road, and the second in a rubbish bin. Investigations are still ongoing to identify those involved.

Macron arrived in Syria on Monday evening, becoming the first EU leader to visit the country since 2010.

Amid reports of explosions, the official SANA news agency reported that Macron was currently meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the presidential palace.

Macron remained at the presidential palace, where detailed talks between delegations from both countries were under way, the Élysée Palace said in a statement.