18 Injured in Twin Explosions Near Tourism Ministry in Damascus

18 Injured in Twin Explosions Near Tourism Ministry in Damascus
————————————–
Eighteen people, including four members of the Internal Security Forces, were injured after two locally made explosive devices detonated near the Ministry of Tourism building in the Syrian capital, Damascus, according to Syria’s Ministry of Interior.

In a statement, the ministry said security patrols detected the two devices early and specialized units began procedures to dismantle them. However, the devices exploded during preparations for the defusal operation, causing injuries and prompting security forces to cordon off the area and launch wide search operations nearby.

Initial technical inspections showed that the devices were crudely made. One was placed inside a car parked on the roadside, while the second was planted inside a garbage container. The ministry said investigations are continuing to identify those responsible for the explosions.

The incident coincided with French President Emmanuel Macron’s official visit to Syria. Media reports said the explosions occurred near the hotel where he was staying. However, the French presidency said Macron did not hear any explosions and that his visit continued as planned, including a meeting with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa at the People’s Palace in Damascus.

Later, social media accounts linked to extremist groups circulated a statement claiming responsibility for the blasts on behalf of a group calling itself the “French Brigade.” The statement claimed the group included French fighters who had previously joined ISIS before splitting from it. The authenticity of the statement and the identity of those behind the attack could not be independently verified.