Damascus: The Syrian Ministry of Interior announced that 18 people, including four police officers, were injured in two explosions near the Ministry of Tourism in Damascus, Tuesday.

According to Qatar News Agency, the explosions occurred when Internal Security Forces detected two explosive devices during field operations. Specialized units had begun the process of defusing the devices when they detonated.

The Syrian Interior Ministry emphasized that the explosion site was outside the security perimeter designated for the residence of French President Emmanuel Macron and posed no direct threat to his accommodation or to the official visit.

The Ministry further explained that Internal Security Forces quickly established a security cordon around the site to protect civilians, while specialized teams launched search, clearance, and security operations in the surrounding area.

Preliminary findings indicate that both devices were improvised. One was placed inside a vehicle parked along the roadside, while the other was concealed in a trash container.