Syrian Authorities Arrest Dozens Over Damascus Attacks During Macron Visit

Syrian security forces have detained dozens of suspects linked to bombings in Damascus that occurred during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit this week. Large quantities of weapons and ammunition were also seized in the operation. Syrian Interior Minister Anas Khattab announced the arrest of a cell responsible for two bomb attacks on Tuesday in central Damascus, without revealing the identities of its members pending further investigation. Khattab stated on X that the terror cell is now in custody and promised to disclose details about its members, roles, and connections once investigations conclude.

The Syrian Interior Ministry confirmed that all members of the terror cell behind the recent Damascus attacks were arrested following a complex security operation coordinated with the General Intelligence Directorate and security forces. Simultaneous raids took place in Damascus and its rural areas. The ministry added that the ongoing investigations aim to uncover the full details of the terror plot.

General Ahmad al-Dalati, head of security in the Damascus countryside, told Syrian state TV late Thursday that initial interrogations revealed the cell’s affiliation with ISIS. The attacks involved two simultaneous explosions using improvised explosive devices, one placed inside a trash bin and the other in a parked car near a luxury hotel where Macron was staying. According to the Syrian Health Ministry, the blasts killed one person and injured 36 others. The explosions occurred shortly after Macron’s convoy left the hotel en route to the presidential palace for talks with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.