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The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on July 7, 2026, that expressed the kingdom’s strongest condemnation of what it described as a cowardly terrorist attack in Damascus. The ministry extended sincere sympathy to the families of those injured, the Syrian government and its people while wishing the wounded a speedy recovery. According to the statement carried by Asharq Al-Awsat, the kingdom firmly rejects all forms of terrorism and extremism that seek to undermine Syria’s security and stability. The ministry reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s consistent support for efforts to bolster Syria’s sovereignty and counter terrorist threats.
Syrian Arab News Agency figures show that two explosions wounded 18 people, including four police officers, when devices detonated during a security operation to dismantle them. SANA reported that the blasts took place in central Damascus near the Ministry of Tourism, with preliminary findings indicating one device was in a roadside vehicle and the other in a trash bin. The agency noted that the incident occurred outside the security perimeter established for French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit, and specialized units had detected the explosives beforehand. No fatalities were reported from the blasts.
Reuters reported that the explosions rocked Damascus on July 7 as Macron held meetings with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the presidential palace, marking the first visit to Syria by an EU head of state since the fall of Bashar al-Assad. Macron’s motorcade had left the nearby hotel shortly before the blasts, and the French president remained unharmed while proceeding with his program. The visit underscores ongoing international engagement with Syria’s new leadership amid persistent security challenges.
The attack comes days after a separate bombing at a Damascus cafe that killed at least 10 people and injured more than 20 others, an incident that drew widespread international condemnation including from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and several European nations. Syrian authorities have intensified counterterrorism operations in recent months, with the interior ministry announcing the disruption of multiple cells linked to groups such as Hezbollah and remnants of the Islamic State. Public statements from Damascus indicate these efforts aim to stabilize the country following years of conflict.
A report from Arab News detailed that the Saudi foreign ministry specifically highlighted the attack’s timing during field operations by security forces, framing it as an attempt to destabilize the transitional period in Syria. The kingdom has previously extended support to Syrian reconstruction and counterterrorism initiatives through diplomatic channels and regional forums. Officials in Riyadh have consistently called for unified international action against terrorism across the region.
The French presidency confirmed that Macron continued his engagements without interruption following the incident, focusing on bilateral discussions with Syrian leaders on security cooperation and humanitarian issues. Reports from CNN and Le Monde placed the blasts near the Four Seasons Hotel where the French delegation had stayed overnight. Syrian health authorities, according to SANA, provided immediate medical response to all injured personnel at the scene.
