Syria captures ISIS cell targeting Macron's Damascus visit

The Syrian Interior Ministry announced the capture of an ISIS-linked cell behind the bomb attacks during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Damascus. One person died in the attacks.

Scraper SystemJuly 10, 2026, 11:09 AM

Syria captures ISIS cell targeting Macron's Damascus visit

Syrian Interior Minister Enes Hattab announced the capture of an ISIS-linked cell responsible for the bomb attacks that occurred during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to the capital Damascus. In a statement on X, Hattab said they would disclose the identities and links of the cell members to the public after investigations are completed.

Damascus regional internal security chief Ahmed Dalati told state TV that preliminary investigations indicated the cell was linked to ISIS. The Interior Ministry reported that the cell was captured in simultaneous raids in four neighborhoods in Damascus and its countryside. Two of these neighborhoods are home to the Alawite minority population of ousted leader Bashar al-Assad.

Explosions during the visit

The two explosions on Tuesday occurred just after Macron left the Four Seasons Hotel in Damascus. One explosion was caused by a bomb placed in a trash container, and the other by a bomb planted in a car near the hotel. One person died and dozens were injured. AFP reporters saw bloodstains in the street and broken windows of the Tourism Ministry building at the scene.

Signal of normalization in relations

At the joint press conference after the explosions, Macron reiterated France's support for Syria, saying "we must not allow ourselves to be destabilized" in the face of such attacks. Syrian President Ahmed al-Shara praised Macron's decision to continue the visit as "courageous." The two leaders announced that they had agreed to appoint ambassadors as soon as possible.

Macron was the first European Union leader to visit Syria since Bashar al-Assad was toppled in 2024. The visit coincided with Ahmed al-Shara's efforts to rebuild the country's image after more than a decade of conflict. These bombings were the second in the capital in a month, following an attack at a Damascus café in July that killed 10 people. Syria joined the US-led coalition against ISIS last year.

Syria captures ISIS cell targeting Macron's Damascus visit

The Syrian Interior Ministry announced the capture of an ISIS-linked cell behind the bomb attacks during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Damascus. One person died in the attacks.