The Elysee Palace said French President Emmanuel Macron was unharmed after two explosions occurred near the hotel where he had stayed overnight during his official visit to Syria's capital, Damascus.

The French presidency said Macron continued his official programme as scheduled.

Macron arrived in Damascus on Monday with a delegation that included several French business leaders, becoming the first European Union head of state to visit Syria since the country's change of government.

Witnesses reported seeing smoke rising near the Four Seasons Hotel in central Damascus after Macron's motorcade had left for meetings at the presidential palace.

According to security sources, one explosive device had been placed in a trash bin near the hotel, while another was hidden inside a parked vehicle. At least 18 people were injured in the blasts, but Macron was not in the area at the time and was not affected.

Ambulances rushed to the scene as security forces sealed off roads leading to the blast site. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, and authorities launched an investigation.

Macron's visit came days after a bomb attack at a café in central Damascus killed 11 people and injured 20 others, underscoring ongoing security challenges in the Syrian capital. (ILKHA)