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Two explosions in Damascus, Syria, wounded 18 people on Tuesday, including four police officers, according to the state-run Syrian Arab News Agency, or SANA. The blasts reportedly occurred near the Four Seasons Hotel where French President Emmanuel Macron was staying during his official visit, but they were located outside his security perimeter, according to SANA. Macron continued his visit according to schedule, writing on social media that Syrians demonstrated courage and determination in their response to the incident.
Syrian authorities said two improvised explosive devices placed in a parked vehicle and nearby trash bin near the Ministry of Tourism were the sources of the blasts. Syrian security forces learned of the devices, but were unable to defuse them before they exploded, according to SANA. Videos circulating on social media showed a vehicle burning from the first explosion before a second, more powerful blast ripped through the area.
Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry said that a terrorist cell was responsible for the attack, but didn’t give further details. No group had officially claimed responsibility as of Tuesday morning. The explosions came less than a week after a bombing attack at a Damascus cafe near a government building, which killed 10 and injured 21.
What is Macron doing in Syria? He came to express his commitment to Syria and his interest in helping the country become peaceful, stable, and united in diversity, he said. France and the European Union would help rebuild and develop Syria as a regional hub, he said.
Dig deeper: Read Christina Grube’s report on U.S. plans to remove sanctions on Turkey.