Syria Says ISIS Carried Out Damascus Bombings During President Emmanuel Macron's Official Visit

Syrian authorities on Thursday said they had arrested several suspects linked to a series of recent bomb explosions in Damascus, including the attacks that occurred during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to the Syrian capital earlier this week. Officials said the suspects were members of a cell affiliated with the Islamic State (ISIS), although the extremist group has not claimed responsibility for the attacks. According to Syria's Interior Ministry, security forces carried out coordinated raids across Damascus and nearby areas, leading to the dismantling of what it described as the entire cell responsible for the bombings.

The ministry said the operation followed an intensive investigation aimed at identifying those behind the explosions, which raised security concerns during Macron's high-profile visit. Brig. Gen. Ahmad al-Dalati, commander of the Internal Security Forces for the rural Damascus province, told state television that investigators were able to identify one suspect after reviewing footage captured by security cameras. Authorities then tracked the individual, which ultimately led them to other members of the alleged ISIS-linked network. The official said the operation resulted in multiple arrests and disrupted the group's activities before it could carry out further attacks.

The bombings took place while French President Emmanuel Macron was visiting Damascus, drawing international attention because of the timing of the attacks. Although no immediate claim of responsibility was issued, Syrian security officials said their investigation pointed to the involvement of the Islamic State group. Authorities have not publicly disclosed the exact number of suspects arrested or provided detailed information about the explosives used in the attacks.

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ISIS, which once controlled vast areas of Syria and neighbouring Iraq, suffered major territorial defeats following years of military operations by Syrian government forces, Kurdish-led groups, and an international coalition. Despite losing its self-declared caliphate, the group has continued to operate through sleeper cells, carrying out bombings, ambushes and targeted attacks in different parts of Syria. Security officials have repeatedly warned that the group remains capable of launching sporadic attacks despite sustained counterterrorism operations.

The latest arrests underscore the ongoing security challenges facing Syria as authorities continue efforts to prevent a resurgence of extremist violence. While officials say the alleged ISIS-linked cell has been dismantled, investigations into the recent bombings remain ongoing. The incident also highlights the persistent threat posed by militant networks operating in the country, even as Syria seeks to restore stability and strengthen diplomatic engagement with foreign leaders, including Macron's visit.

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