Syria Arrests Suspects Linked to Recent Bombings Amid Macron's Visit

Syrian authorities have apprehended several suspects connected to recent bombings in Damascus, including attacks that occurred during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit. The Islamic State group is believed to be behind these incidents, although they have not claimed responsibility. The explosions resulted in one death and numerous injuries, posing significant challenges for the Syrian government as it seeks to establish control and rebuild the war-torn nation. With ongoing efforts for political and economic reform, the country faces the daunting task of recovery after nearly 14 years of civil conflict.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 10, 2026, 14:33 IST

Arrests Made Following Explosions in Damascus

On Thursday, Syrian officials announced the detention of multiple individuals suspected of involvement in a series of explosions that occurred in Damascus, including those coinciding with French President Emmanuel Macron's visit earlier this week. A representative from Syria's Internal Security Forces indicated that the Islamic State group was responsible for the attacks, although the group has yet to claim them.

Security forces conducted operations in the capital and nearby regions, successfully dismantling the entire network linked to the bombings, as stated by the Interior Ministry. Brig. Gen. Ahmad al-Dalati, who oversees the Internal Security Forces in rural Damascus, informed state television that the suspects were affiliated with an IS-linked cell. Investigators managed to identify one member of the group through security camera footage, which led them to the other suspects.

During Macron's significant visit to Syria, explosive devices were discovered in a garbage bin and a parked vehicle. Fortunately, Macron was unharmed as he was at the presidential palace when the explosions occurred, allowing him to continue his discussions with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa. The blasts resulted in one fatality and left 36 individuals injured, according to the latest report from Syria's Ministry of Health.

Just a week prior, another explosive device detonated in a café near the main judicial complex in Damascus, claiming at least 10 lives and injuring over 20 others. These incidents pose a significant challenge for al-Sharaa, who is striving to establish full control over Syria. He has sought to gain the trust of minorities wary of his government’s Islamist-led administration and has aimed to attract support from Western nations concerned about his previous leadership of the al-Qaida-linked group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham.

His administration has committed to implementing political and economic reforms following decades of autocratic governance by the Assad family, which concluded when former President Bashar Assad was ousted in December 2024 during an insurgent offensive led by al-Sharaa. The prolonged civil war in Syria has resulted in nearly half a million deaths and displaced millions, leaving extensive destruction and infrastructure in shambles. Despite significant investment pledges from various nations and businesses, the country still requires hundreds of billions of dollars to rebuild and alleviate poverty for millions.