Syrian Democratic Council calls for transparent investigation into Daramsuq (Damascus) explosions during Macron visit

08/07/2026

BETH ZALIN, Syria — The explosions that occurred near the Four Seasons Hotel in Daramsuq (Damascus), where French President Emmanuel Macron was scheduled to stay during his visit to Syria, have drawn widespread local and international condemnation.

The Syrian Democratic Council (SDC) issued a statement strongly condemning the blasts, describing them as “a direct assault on the safety of civilians and the stability of the country.” The SDC added that the incident represented “an attempt to undermine ongoing efforts to strengthen security and advance peace in Syria.”

The SDC said the timing of the attack, which occurred during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Daramsuq, raised concerns that those behind it may have sought to undermine ongoing political and diplomatic efforts.

The SDC suggested that the incident could have been intended as a message aimed at disrupting cooperation between Syria and its international partners, while stressing that the motive and identities of those responsible must be determined through official investigations.

The SDC affirmed that targeting security and stability, or attempting to influence diplomatic visits aimed at supporting Syria, would only serve “the interests of those seeking to keep Syria trapped in a cycle of violence and instability.” It warned that such acts also hinder national and international efforts to achieve lasting security, political stability, and economic recovery.

The statement commended regional and international efforts aimed at helping Syrians build a safe and stable state, emphasizing that “dialogue, international cooperation, and respect for Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity remain the most effective path to addressing the country’s challenges.”

The SDC concluded by calling on the relevant authorities to conduct “a comprehensive and transparent investigation into this terrorist attack” and urged that those responsible be held accountable under the law. It said such measures are essential to strengthening public confidence in state institutions’ ability to protect citizens and preserve national stability.

During Macron’s visit, several explosive devices detonated near the hotel, suggesting that one of the blasts was caused by a bomb planted inside a vehicle. Additional explosions were also reported near the Syrian Ministry of Tourism building in the Victoria Bridge area of Daramsuq.

Videos circulating on social media platforms appeared to show the second explosion, while security forces quickly sealed off roads surrounding the area and deployed heavy security reinforcements.

Despite the incident, the Élysée Palace confirmed that Macron did not hear the explosions, as he was on his way to meet Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa when they occurred. A Reuters correspondent traveling with the French delegation also reported no indication that the incident disrupted Macron’s scheduled morning engagements.

Syrian state television reported that the meeting between Macron and al-Sharaa took place at the presidential palace as originally scheduled.