ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - A secret hideout storing explosives has been discovered following the attacks targeting French President Emmanuel Macron's security detail during his visit to the capital, said the Syrian Interior Ministry on Friday, amid ongoing investigations to find those responsible for the dual bombings.
“Intensive investigations with members of the terrorist cell responsible for the July 7 bombings in Damascus have led to the discovery of a secret hideout designated by the cell for storing explosives in preparation for a series of terrorist attacks,” the interior ministry posted on X, noting that its forces had “raided the identified location following the cell's confessions and seized several explosive devices.”
During President Macron’s visit to Syria, the first visit by a Western head of state since the ouster of longtime Syrian ruler Bashar al-Assad, two explosions shook the city, killing two people and injuring 36 others.
Syrian officials said the explosive devices had been planted minutes before its detonation, aimed at the security cordon protecting the French President.
Macron said during a joint press conference with his Syrian counterpart, Ahmed al-Sharaa, "We must not let ourselves be destabilized" by such attacks, reiterating his country's commitment to providing ongoing support.
Syrian interior minister Anas Khattab said Thursday that “the cell responsible for the terrorist bombings that targeted Damascus two days ago is now in our custody.”
Following the explosions on Tuesday, Khattab said the new authorities in Damascus “are working with all diligence and determination to accelerate Syria’s development path, enhance its security, restore its rightful place among nations, and build a future worthy of its people.”
He affirmed that “the acts of sabotage … targeting our civilian population and security forces” will only prompt state institutions to “perform their duty to protect citizens, enhance security, and pursue all those behind these terrorist acts.”
Since the December 2024 ouster of longtime Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad, the new leadership in Damascus, led by interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, has faced a series of security challenges and insurgent incidents as it works to stabilize the country.
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa received a signed letter from US President Donald Trump on Wednesday informing Congress of his decision to remove Syria from the State Department’s state sponsor of terrorism list, since its designation in late 1979.
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