Cell Captured
Syria’s Interior Minister Enes Hattab announced the capture of an ISIS-linked cell responsible for the bombings that killed one person during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Damascus. In a post on X, Hattab said, “After the investigations are completed, we will disclose the cell members’ identities, roles, and all their connections to the public.”
ISIS Connection
Ahmed Dalati, head of internal security for the Damascus region, told state television that preliminary investigations indicated the cell was linked to ISIS. The Interior Ministry reported that the cell was captured in simultaneous raids in four neighborhoods across Damascus and its countryside. It was noted that two of these neighborhoods are home to populations belonging to the Alawite minority of ousted leader Bashar al-Assad.
Macron's Visit and the Explosions
The two explosions occurred on Tuesday after Macron left the Four Seasons Hotel in the capital Damascus. One explosion was caused by a device placed in a trash container, and the other by explosives placed in a vehicle near the hotel. One person was killed and dozens were injured. AFP reporters saw blood stains on the street and shattered windows at the Tourism Ministry building at the scene.
Leaders Exchange Messages
At a joint press conference held after the explosions, Macron reiterated France's support for Syria, saying, “We must not allow ourselves to be destabilized” in the face of such attacks. Syrian President Ahmed al-Shara described Macron's decision to continue his visit as “courageous.” The two leaders announced they had agreed to appoint ambassadors to each other's countries as soon as possible.
Background
Macron's visit was the first by an EU leader to Syria after Assad's ouster in 2024. It came as Ahmed al-Shara sought to rebuild the country's image after more than a decade of conflict. The explosions were the second bombings in the capital within a month, following an attack on a Damascus cafe in July that killed 10 people. Syria had joined the US-led coalition against ISIS last year.
