Explosions have rocked the Syrian capital during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Damascus, the first by a European head of state since the fall of the Assad regime in late 2024.The Élysée Palace said Mr Macron did not hear the blasts, and his motorcade continued through the streets to a meeting with Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa.Video circulating on social media showed the wreckage of a vehicle on fire after the first explosion, near the Syrian Tourism Ministry and Damascus' Four Seasons hotel — a popular location for foreigners and dignitaries to stay in the city, where President Macron was staying.A second video showed smoke billowing over the area, before another explosion was seen in what appears to be a rubbish bin, with people fleeing in the aftermath.Syrian state television is reported to have said 18 people were injured in two explosions, including four police officers An assistant to the country's tourism minister is believed to be among those hurt.Mr Macron had been meeting Syrian civil society groups in the Four Season before the explosions.He later met with rebel leader turned politician, Ahmed Al-Sharaa, at the Syrian Presidential Palace.“We are not fooled about both the risk factors, but they are under control, and also about the desire of certain groups to prevent Syria's full and complete return to the community of nations,” President Macron said.“I think we must at once stand alongside those who have been injured, continue to be uncompromising on security ..