Wednesday July 8, 2026
Mogadishu (HOL) — Somalia on Tuesday strongly condemned a terrorist attack in the Syrian capital, Damascus, that wounded at least 18 people, including four police officers.
In a statement, Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the federal government rejects terrorism and violent extremism in all forms and reaffirmed its commitment to international efforts to combat terrorism and promote peace, security and stability.
Syrian authorities said two explosive devices detonated in Damascus on Tuesday as French President Emmanuel Macron was visiting the country.
Syria’s Interior Ministry said the blasts occurred outside the security zone designated for the French president’s residence and did not pose a direct threat to the residence or the official visit program.
The ministry said the devices exploded after security forces discovered them and sent specialists to dismantle them.
Macron’s office said the French president, who was on his way to meet Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, did not hear the blasts and that the visit continued as planned.
The attack came during Macron’s visit to Syria, following earlier diplomatic engagement between Paris and Damascus. In May 2025, Macron hosted al-Sharaa during his first official visit to a European country, before the Syrian leader later traveled to Washington to meet U.S. President Donald Trump.
