'My visit continues': Macron after close shave in Syria amid explosions near hotel

French president Emmanuel Macron issued a statement saying that he'll continue his visit after an explosion near his hotel in Syria."Nothing can smother the aspiration of Syrian women and men to live in a fully sovereign, safe, pluralistic, and united Syria. This morning I met Syria in all its diversity. I saw dignity, courage, and determination," he said in a statement on X, adding, "My visit continues."This comes after two explosions struck central Damascus earlier on Tuesday near the Four Seasons Hotel, where French President Emmanuel Macron was staying during his landmark visit to Syria. The blasts wounded at least 18 people, according to the Associated Press, but Macron was unharmed and went ahead with his scheduled meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa.Further details emerging from Damascus indicate that two explosive devices detonated near the Four Seasons Hotel, where Macron was staying, prompting heavy security deployment and road closures around the area. A Reuters witness reported hearing the blasts and seeing smoke rising from the site, while videos shared on social media showed a vehicle on fire and bloodstains on the street. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.Also read: Explosions near Macron's Damascus hotel as French leader meets Syria's presidentThe incident came just days after a bomb blast at a café near Damascus' Justice Palace killed at least 10 people and injured around 20.Catch the latest world news and top headlines. Download the TOI App.