Syria arrests cell behind Damascus bombings that killed one during Macron visit
Syrian authorities have detained the group responsible for two explosions near the Four Seasons hotel, where French President Emmanuel Macron was staying, in the first EU leader visit since Assad's fall.
The attack
Two homemade bombs exploded on Tuesday morning near the Four Seasons hotel in Damascus, where French President Emmanuel Macron had spent the night. One device was placed inside a parked car, the other concealed in a rubbish bin. Both detonated as specialists attempted to defuse them, killing one person and injuring between 35 and 36 others, according to Syrian authorities. Macron had already left the hotel to meet Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa when the blasts occurred.
Arrests and investigation
On Thursday evening, Syrian Interior Minister Anas Khattab announced the arrest of the entire cell responsible. "The cell responsible for the terrorist attacks that targeted Damascus two days ago is now in our custody," he said in a statement. The suspects were captured in simultaneous raids across four neighbourhoods in Damascus and its outskirts: Qatifa, Sayyida Zeinab, Qudsaya, and Ash al Warwar. Two of those areas are home to members of the Alawite community, from which the clan of former president Bashar al-Assad originates. Khattab said the identities, roles, and affiliations of the cell members would be disclosed once the investigation is complete.
- Two bombs explode near Four Seasons hotel, killing one and injuring 36.
- President Macron, meeting with Syrian President al-Sharaa, calls for solidarity and security.
- Syrian authorities arrest the terrorist cell in simultaneous raids across four neighbourhoods.
Macron's visit and response
The bombings overshadowed the first visit to Syria by a European Union head of state since Assad was overthrown in December 2024. Speaking alongside al-Sharaa after the explosions, Macron urged solidarity.
His schedule was not altered by the incident.We must at once stand alongside those who have been injured, continue to be uncompromising on security... but not let ourselves be destabilised.
Broader security context
The attack is the latest in a series of security breaches in Syria, which remains politically volatile. Last week, nine people were killed in a bomb attack at a crowded café in central Damascus. No group has claimed responsibility for that blast, but Damascus Governor Maher Marwan said "bad actors" were trying to destabilise the country. The interior ministry described Thursday's arrests as part of a "complex operation" involving security forces and intelligence services.
