Syria Arrests IS-Linked Cell Over Damascus Blasts During Macron Visit

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Damascus : Syrian authorities say they have arrested an Islamic State-linked cell accused of carrying out twin bomb blasts in Damascus during French President Emmanuel Macron's historic visit to the country earlier this week.

Interior Minister Anas Khattab said the suspects were captured in coordinated raids across Damascus and its surrounding areas. Preliminary investigations indicate the group was affiliated with the Islamic State (IS), with officials promising to release more details once the investigation is complete.

The two explosions on Tuesday killed one person and injured dozens. The bombs were planted near the Four Seasons Hotel, where Macron had stayed, with one device hidden in a rubbish bin and another inside a vehicle. The blasts occurred shortly after the French president left the hotel to meet Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa.

Despite the attack, Macron continued with his visit, the first by a European Union head of state since the fall of former president Bashar al-Assad in late 2024.

The attack was the second bombing in Damascus this month, following a July 2 explosion at a café that killed 10 people. Syria joined the US-led coalition against the Islamic State last year as the country continues efforts to improve security and rebuild after years of conflict.

Pic Credit: AFP