By Oluwakemi Kindness
At least two explosions have rocked the Syrian capital, Damascus, during a visit by French President Emmanuel Macron.
Television footage showed plumes of smoke rising over the city after the blasts on Tuesday.
Reports say the explosions occurred in a busy civilian area, describing the incident as a criminal act and warning that casualties are feared.
The explosions reportedly struck near Syria’s Ministry of Tourism and a hotel where Macron was expected to stay during talks with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
Macron’s office said the French leader, who was on his way to meet al-Sharaa, did not hear the explosions and that his visit continued as scheduled.
Authorities have sealed off roads around the affected area, while security agencies investigate the cause of the blasts.
The incident comes a week after an explosion at a café in central Damascus killed at least nine people and injured 20 others, according to Syria’s Ministry of Health.
