Damascus
Coverage of Damascus in the Nexus archive.
- How top Syrian diplomat Asaad al-Shaibani’s road to Damascus is shaking the Mideast
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani is engaging in diplomatic efforts across multiple regions to advance President Ahmed al-Sharaa's initiatives, but faces challenges in a volatile Middle East. His travels to cities like Riyadh, Beirut, Washington, and Moscow highlight his role in reshaping regional dynamics.
- Bomb attacks rattle Damascus but for most Syrians, life goes on
Bomb attacks occurred in Damascus, aiming to create instability, though they do not indicate a complete security collapse in Syria. Most Syrians continue their daily lives despite the attacks.
- Explainer-What is Islamic State, the group linked to this week's Damascus bombs?
Two bombs exploded near a hotel in Damascus where French President Emmanuel Macron stayed, wounding 18 people and overshadowing his visit. Preliminary investigations link the attack to a cell affiliated with Islamic State.
- Syria authorities say captured IS-linked cell behind blasts
Syrian officials claim to have captured an IS-linked cell responsible for bomb blasts that occurred during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Damascus. Syria's Interior Minister Anas Khattab stated the cell responsible for the attacks is now in custody.
- Syria says captured IS-linked cell behind Damascus bombings during Macron visit
Syria claims to have captured an Islamic State (IS)-linked cell responsible for bombings in Damascus that targeted French President Emmanuel Macron's hotel. The explosions occurred on July 7, 2026, near the location where Macron was scheduled to stay.
- Syria arrests ISIS-linked suspects over Damascus bombings during Macron visit
Syrian authorities arrested suspects accused of carrying out a series of bombings in Damascus, including during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit. The Interior Ministry stated the cell was dismantled, and an official blamed Islamic State, which has not claimed responsibility.
- Syria says cell behind ‘terrorist bombings’ in Damascus arrested
Syria reported arresting a cell responsible for 'terrorist bombings' in Damascus. Explosions occurred in the Syrian capital during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit.
- Syria says it arrested suspects behind the Damascus bombings during Macron’s visit
Syrian authorities arrested suspects accused of a series of explosions in Damascus, including those that occurred during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit. The arrests are linked to the bombings during his visit.
- Cell behind Damascus bombings in custody, Syria says
The Syrian government has captured the cell responsible for the Damascus bombings, according to Syrian Interior Minister Anas Khattab. Authorities plan to disclose details about the cell's members and their connections after investigations are completed.
- Why the Damascus blasts during Macron’s visit are a blow to al-Sharaa
Twin blasts in Damascus during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit highlighted the fragility of President Ahmed al-Sharaa's authority and the security challenges he faces. The blasts undermined Damascus's efforts to project stability to the international community.
- Macron expresses 'belief that a new era is dawning in Syria' in Damascus visit
French President Emmanuel Macron visited Damascus and expressed a belief that a new era is dawning in Syria. He met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa during the visit.
- Morning update
The US and Iran exchanged accusations following renewed attacks, with the US striking over 80 targets in Iran and Iran claiming to have hit 85 US military facilities. The US Treasury revoked a license for Iranian oil sales, and military officials indicated ongoing strikes. Meanwhile, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is set to visit Israel, and bombs near a hotel in Damascus injured 18 people during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit.
- Syria grapples with unrest as government faces old and new threats
Syria is experiencing unrest as its government faces both old and new threats. Twin blasts in Damascus during Macron's visit have heightened concerns about the country's fragile stability.
- Karachi ranked among ‘least liveable cities’ in the world
Karachi was ranked 170th out of 173 cities in the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Global Liveability Index 2026, among the least liveable cities. It scored poorly in stability, healthcare, culture and environment, and infrastructure, with only education showing a relatively higher score. Cities like Dhaka, Tripoli, and Damascus ranked below Karachi, while war-affected Tehran and Kyiv scored slightly higher.
- Optimistic tone of Macron's visit doesn't hide precariousness of Syria's security
A bomb exploded near the Four Seasons hotel in Damascus, wounding 18 people and targeting the location where French president Macron had been staying, though he had already left. A year after al-Sharaa's visit to Paris, the leaders aim to strengthen economic relations.
- Bomb attacks wound 18 in Damascus as Macron visits
Two bomb attacks in Damascus near President Macron's hotel wounded 18 people. The bombs, placed in a car and garbage container, exploded during dismantling efforts. Macron continued his visit to discuss Syria's reconstruction with Ahmed al-Sharaa.
- Explosions rock Syria's capital as French President Macron visits
Explosions in Damascus injured 18 people during French President Macron's visit, marking the second attack in a week. Macron and Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa agreed to reappoint ambassadors after over a decade, signaling restored diplomatic ties. The blasts occurred near Macron's hotel and involved devices in a garbage bin and a parked car.
- Explosions rock Damascus, wounding 18, near French president’s hotel
Twin explosions in Damascus injured 18 people near the French president's hotel. The blasts occurred during a meeting between French President Macron and counterpart Sharaa, which proceeded as planned. No group has claimed responsibility for the attacks.
- Two explosions shake Damascus near Macron’s hotel
Two explosions occurred near Damascus' Four Seasons hotel where French President Emmanuel Macron was staying during a visit to meet Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa. The blasts, caused by improvised devices in a trash container and a parked car, injured 18 people, including four police officers. Macron confirmed his safety and stated his visit would continue.
- Bombs Explode Near Hotel Where Macron Hosted Meetings During Syria Visit, 18 Injured
Two bombs exploded near the hotel in Damascus where French President Emmanuel Macron held meetings. The attack injured 18 people.
- Syria: Macron ‘safe’ after blasts near French president’s hotel
Two bomb explosions occurred near the hotel in Damascus where French President Emmanuel Macron was staying. Macron was confirmed safe, with his motorcade leaving the hotel before the explosions.
- Explosions rock Damascus, wounding 18, as French President Macron visits Syria
Explosions in Damascus injured 18 people during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to meet Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa. The blasts, caused by devices in a garbage bin and a parked car, occurred near the Four Seasons Hotel where Macron was staying. Macron continued his meeting despite the attacks, emphasizing Syria's aspirations for sovereignty and stability.
- What to know about Macron's landmark visit to Syria
French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Syria marks the first by an EU leader since rebels ousted dictator al-Assad. The trip aims to support Syria's rehabilitation, but unclaimed explosions near Macron's hotel in Damascus highlight ongoing security risks.
- Explosions in Damascus during Macron visit: What we know
Explosions occurred near the hotel where the French president was reportedly staying in Damascus shortly after he departed for the presidential palace.
- Bomb attacks wound 18 in Damascus as Macron visits
Two explosions in Damascus near a hotel where French President Emmanuel Macron was staying injured 18 people. Macron was not present in the hotel during the blasts, having already arrived at Syria's presidential palace for a meeting with Ahmed al-Sharaa.
- Replay: French President Emmanuel Macron speaks after Damascus blasts
French President Emmanuel Macron held a press conference with al-Sharaa following two bomb explosions in Damascus near Macron's hotel during his visit. The event marked a significant diplomatic engagement amid security concerns.
- Explosions rock Damascus as French President Macron visits Syria
Two bombs exploded near a hotel in Damascus where Emmanuel Macron held meetings with President Ahmed al-Sharaa. The French president's office confirmed Macron did not hear the explosions during his visit.
- Syria's rehabilitation 'suits the West' while Damascus hopes to attract investors
Two bombs exploded in Damascus near where French President Emmanuel Macron is staying, wounding 18 people. Ahmed al-Sharaa is emphasizing Syria's security challenges to attract foreign investment for the war-torn country's rebuilding.
- Explosions rock Damascus, wounding 18, as French President Macron visits Syria
Explosions in Damascus injured 18 people, including police officers, during French President Macron's visit to meet Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa. The blasts, caused by devices in a garbage bin and a parked car, occurred near the Four Seasons Hotel where Macron was staying. No group claimed responsibility, and an investigation is ongoing.
- Explosions reported in Damascus amid Macron's visit to Syria, state media says
Explosions were reported in Damascus during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Syria, according to state media. Macron is the first major Western leader to visit Syria since the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.
- Syria's 'security challenges' main obstacle to attracting investors
Explosions in Damascus disrupted a meeting between French President Emmanuel Macron and Syrian President to sign reconstruction contracts. Syrian authorities aim to overcome security challenges to attract investors.
- Explosions heard near Macron's Damascus hotel amid high-risk, landmark visit
Explosions were heard near French President Emmanuel Macron's hotel in Damascus during his surprise visit, hosted by Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa. Macron has been instrumental in advocating for European and U.S. sanctions relief on Syria.
- Blasts rock Damascus during Macron visit
Two bombs exploded near a hotel in Damascus where Emmanuel Macron was meeting, according to Syrian state media. Macron's office confirmed he did not hear the explosions and met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa afterward. The attack highlights security challenges in Syria, where Macron is the first EU head of state to visit since rebels led by Sharaa overthrew Bashar al-Assad in 2024.
- French President Macron safe after bomb blasts near hotel in Damascus
French President Emmanuel Macron is safe after two bombs exploded outside his hotel in Damascus. The French government confirmed his safety and stated he will continue his visit to Syria.
- French President Macron safe after bomb blasts near hotel in Damascus
French President Emmanuel Macron is safe after two bombs exploded outside his hotel in Damascus. The French government confirmed he will continue his visit to Syria.
- Explosions rock Damascus, wounding 4, as French President Macron visits Syria
Explosions in Damascus wounded four people during French President Macron's visit to Syria. Macron's office confirmed he was safe and that his meeting with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa would proceed as planned.
- Explosions rock Damascus, wounding 4, as French President Macron visits Syria
Explosions in Damascus wounded four people during French President Macron's visit to Syria. Macron's office confirmed his safety and the continuation of his meeting with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa.
- Explosions shake Damascus as Macron visits
Explosions occurred in Damascus during French President Macron's visit to Syria. Macron is the first EU leader to travel to Syria since the fall of the Assad regime.
- Explosions in Damascus as French president visits
Explosions occurred in Damascus while the French president was visiting. The article notes the simultaneous occurrence of these events.
- Explosions rock Damascus as French President Macron visits Syria
Explosions occurred in Damascus as French President Emmanuel Macron met with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa. The blasts near the Four Seasons Hotel, where Macron was staying, were caused by explosive devices, though no casualties were immediately reported. A prior attack in a Damascus cafe had killed at least 10 people days earlier.