Bombs Explode Near Macron's Hotel During Landmark Visit to Syria

A series of bombs exploded near the hotel where French President Emmanuel Macron was staying during his visit to Syria. Security sources reported that Macron did not hear the explosions in Damascus on Tuesday, and he met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa shortly afterwards. The blasts highlighted the major security challenges in Syria. Macron is the first European Union head of state to visit since the new government took power after the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad in 2024. A witness heard the explosions and saw smoke billowing, while security sources said roads were closed and security measures were implemented.

In other international developments, Ukraine launched over 430 drones towards the Moscow region on the eve of a crucial NATO summit in Turkey, where the war is expected to dominate discussions. The attack underscores Ukraine’s increasing use of long-range unmanned aerial vehicles to strike deep inside Russian territory.

Additionally, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps reportedly fired at least two missiles at commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz on Monday evening, causing damage to two ships. The incident, reported by US media, follows maritime radio warnings from the IRGC over the weekend that their missiles and drones were ready to fire. US President Donald Trump also stated that while he wants a nuclear deal with Iran, he warned that military options remain on the table if diplomacy fails.

In the Pacific, the United States expressed alarm after China test-fired a submarine-launched missile into the Pacific Ocean. Analysts suggest the test demonstrates China’s growing capability to strike the US mainland, marking the latest move in Beijing’s rapid military modernisation.