Syria: Explosions rock Damascus near hotel where visiting French president stays.

Shotlist Damascus, Syria - July 7, 2026 1. Four Seasons Hotel (white building at right), other buildings near hotel; security personnel on street; sirens sounding, explosion heard, smoke rising Storyline Two explosions rocked Syria's capital Damascus on Tuesday near the hotel where French President Emmanuel Macron is staying, injuring at least 18 people, including four police officers, Syria's Interior Ministry said. The blasts occurred in an area close to the Four Seasons Hotel in central Damascus, where Macron is currently lodging during his visit to Syria. Media reports said Syria's Deputy Tourism Minister Faraj al-Qashqoush was among the wounded. Live television footage showed smoke rising from buildings in the city. A China Media Group (CMG) press crew captured the sound of an explosion and sirens, with security personnel seen deployed on the streets in the area. [Restrictions: No access Chinese mainland/Orient TV/Syria Alshaab TV/Zanoubia TV/Alhurra TV/ANN TV/Al Jazeera/Al-Arabiya TV]