pleads with the AI to rewrite headlines and body text while preserving all media elements. I’ll craft a concise, professional rewrite that captures the key facts: Macron’s safety, the casualties, the location and cause of explosions, his ongoing diplomatic engagements, and the verification efforts by BBC Verify.
French President Emmanuel Macron is safe following explosions in central Damascus on Tuesday morning that left at least 18 people wounded, the Elysee Palace confirmed.
A security source told the BBC the blasts were triggered by two explosive devices, with Syrian media reporting that four police officers were among those injured.
Macron is currently in the capital for discussions with his Syrian counterpart Ahmed al-Sharaa at the presidential palace.
Following his Syria visit, Macron will proceed to Turkey for the NATO summit, with the Elysee Palace stating the itinerary “continues as planned.”
Social media footage showed smoke and flames rising from a vehicle near a hotel in the Syrian capital after the explosions.
Syrian state television reported that al-Sharaa welcomed Macron upon his arrival at the presidential palace.
BBC Verify analyzed video evidence indicating the blasts occurred approximately 125 meters from the Four Seasons hotel along Shoukry al-Quowatly, a major thoroughfare in Damascus.
French officials said Macron did not hear the explosions during his movement to the meeting.
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