DAMASCUS – Two explosions in central Damascus on Tuesday injured 18 people during a visit by French President Emmanuel Macron, according to Syria's Interior Ministry.

The ministry stressed the explosions occurred outside the security perimeter designated for the French president's residence and posed no direct threat to the residence or the official visit, which is continuing as scheduled. Four police officers were among the injured.

Shortly after reports of the explosions, state media reported that Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa had received Macron at the People's Palace in Damascus.

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The explosions occurred near the Ministry of Tourism building, not far from the Four Seasons Hotel.

In a statement carried by the state-run SANA news agency, the Interior Ministry said security forces had detected two explosive devices, which exploded while preparations for defusing them were underway.

According to the preliminary investigation, the improvised explosive devices were placed inside a parked vehicle and a roadside garbage container.

The ministry said security forces imposed a cordon around the site to ensure public safety, while specialized teams launched search and security operations in the area.