A Syrian security source said the explosions occurred close to the hotel where Macron was staying. The French president was not injured and continued his official program, with the Elysee Palace saying the blasts were not heard by Macron or his delegation.

According to the Syrian state news agency, 18 people were wounded in the explosions, including four police officers.

Syrian security forces said they had discovered two improvised explosive devices during field operations and had begun efforts to defuse them. The devices exploded while specialist units were preparing to dismantle them.

Preliminary findings indicated that one explosive device had been concealed inside a vehicle parked along the roadside, while the second had been placed in a trash bin. Authorities said investigations were continuing to determine the circumstances of the attack and identify those responsible.

A witness reported hearing the explosions and seeing smoke rising from the area. Security forces quickly sealed off nearby roads and imposed additional security measures around the scene, according to the security source.

The Elysee said the blasts were not audible from Macron’s presidential motorcade. A Reuters journalist traveling with the French delegation also reported hearing no explosions and observing no disruption during the president’s scheduled morning engagements.

State television later showed Macron meeting Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the Presidential Palace in Damascus, indicating that the visit proceeded as planned despite the security incident.

Macron’s trip is the first by a serving European Union head of state to Syria since forces led by Ahmed al-Sharaa overthrew former President Bashar al-Assad in 2024. The visit reflects France’s growing engagement with Syria’s new leadership as Damascus seeks international support for reconstruction and political normalization.

Since assuming power, al-Sharaa has sought to strengthen relations with Western and regional governments that had largely isolated Syria under Assad, while promoting plans to rebuild the country’s institutions after more than a decade of conflict.

Despite those diplomatic efforts, Syria continues to face significant security threats. During the civil war, multiple militant organizations, including the Islamic State group, established a presence across parts of the country.

Al-Sharaa has pledged to build an inclusive political order following the end of more than five decades of Assad family rule. However, his administration has faced continuing security challenges, including episodes of violence involving pro-government forces and members of religious and ethnic minority communities that resulted in hundreds of deaths last year.

The explosions occurred near the hotel hosting French President Emmanuel Macron during his visit to Damascus, where he was meeting Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa. Syria’s Interior Ministry said 18 people, including members of the security forces, were wounded.

French officials said Macron was not harmed in the incident and continued his official engagements. The Elysee Palace said the French president was unaware of the explosions at the time they occurred.

According to Syrian authorities, security personnel had discovered two explosive devices and were attempting to dismantle them when the devices detonated. Investigations into the incident are continuing.

The attacks marked the second bombing to hit the Syrian capital in recent days and came during Macron’s landmark visit, the first by a serving European Union head of state since the 2024 overthrow of former President Bashar al-Assad.

In a statement, Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a cowardly terrorist act that injured security personnel and civilians while they were attempting to dismantle explosive devices planted by what it called a terrorist cell.

The ministry reaffirmed the kingdom’s rejection of terrorism and extremism in all forms and expressed solidarity with the Syrian government and people. It also conveyed sympathy to those injured and wished Syria continued security and stability.

Kuwait’s Foreign Ministry issued a similar statement, condemning the explosions as a criminal act aimed at undermining the security and stability of Syria and reiterating Kuwait’s longstanding support for the country’s security.

Qatar’s Foreign Ministry also denounced the bombings, reaffirming Doha’s opposition to violence and terrorism regardless of motive. The ministry expressed full support for Syria and its efforts to preserve security and stability, while wishing those injured a speedy recovery.

The coordinated statements reflected broad Gulf support for Syria’s stability as the country’s new leadership seeks to strengthen regional and international ties while confronting persistent security challenges following years of conflict.

No group immediately claimed responsibility for the bombings, and Syrian authorities said investigations were ongoing to identify those responsible.

Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump said a settlement was closer than many believed, although he offered no new details to support that assessment. His comments came despite continued fighting, with Russia launching overnight missile and drone attacks on Kyiv and the surrounding region that killed at least 28 people.

Trump said he believed both Putin and Zelensky wanted the conflict to end. He described his July 4 telephone conversation with the Russian leader as productive, saying the two leaders had a “good call.” According to a Kremlin aide, the discussion lasted 85 minutes and included Trump’s offer to help advance efforts toward a peaceful resolution.

The U.S. president also said he had spoken with Zelensky over the weekend and planned to continue discussions on Ukraine during the NATO summit in Ankara. Trump is scheduled to meet the Ukrainian president on Wednesday on the sidelines of the gathering, where a U.S. official said Washington intends to make a renewed diplomatic push to end the war.

The same official said Trump was expected to speak again with Putin after his meeting with Zelensky, reflecting continued U.S. engagement with both sides of the conflict.

In Moscow, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Russia believed the U.S. position on resolving the war had remained consistent. He dismissed suggestions that Trump had shifted his views, saying the American president maintained a steady understanding of the conflict while remaining willing to hear Russia’s perspective during direct contacts with Putin.

Peskov also said the two presidents had agreed to maintain communication in the near future, underscoring continued diplomatic contacts despite the absence of a breakthrough.

Zelensky likewise characterized his recent conversation with Trump as “very good.” In an interview with the Financial Times, he said he believed the U.S. president now viewed the conflict differently following what he described as recent Ukrainian battlefield successes.

According to Zelensky, Trump praised Ukraine’s long-range drone campaign targeting Russia’s oil infrastructure, which Ukrainian officials say has contributed to fuel shortages inside Russia. Zelensky suggested those developments had influenced Trump’s assessment of the conflict.

The Ukrainian leader told the newspaper that Trump was naturally drawn toward successful outcomes, adding that political considerations, including upcoming U.S. midterm elections and Trump’s desire to bring the war to an end, also shaped his approach.

Relations between Trump and Zelensky have evolved since a contentious Oval Office meeting last year that ended in a public confrontation. Since then, the Ukrainian president has sought to rebuild ties through a series of meetings and direct contacts with the U.S. leader.

Trump’s latest remarks did not revisit his earlier criticism that Zelensky needed to move more quickly toward negotiations with Russia because, in Trump’s words at the time, Ukraine lacked sufficient leverage in peace talks.

The war, now in its fifth year, remains one of Europe’s most significant security crises, with diplomatic efforts continuing alongside sustained military operations by both Russia and Ukraine.

The violence erupted inside the prison, although authorities did not immediately disclose what triggered the confrontation or identify the victims.

The injured were taken for medical treatment, a hospital source told Reuters, while security authorities responded to the unrest at the prison.

Police officials did not immediately provide further details on the circumstances surrounding the incident or whether the situation had been fully brought under control.

The prison violence ranks among the deadliest incidents in a Sri Lankan correctional facility in recent years. Authorities had yet to announce whether an investigation had been launched into the clashes.

Further official information on the identities of those killed and injured, as well as the cause of the violence, was not immediately available.

Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency (NNA) said the victims included a school principal, her mother, a foreign domestic worker and a Syrian laborer. According to the agency, they were traveling back after inspecting their family home in Nabatieh Al-Fawqa when their vehicle was struck.

Israel has continued carrying out intermittent strikes across southern Lebanon, particularly in the Nabatieh region, since a ceasefire took effect roughly two weeks ago. Israeli authorities have generally said such operations target Hezbollah fighters and military infrastructure.

Both Israel and Hezbollah have accused each other of violating the ceasefire agreement.

The truce forms part of a broader regional arrangement reached last month through an agreement signed by the United States and Iran aimed at ending the wider conflict. The accord established a ceasefire in Lebanon that came into effect on June 21.

Days later, following talks in Washington, Lebanon and Israel agreed to a United States-backed framework intended to pave the way toward a permanent cessation of hostilities.

The proposed framework calls for the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, the deployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces into the area and the disarmament of the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement. The plan envisages implementation beginning in two pilot areas but does not specify a timetable for a full Israeli withdrawal.

Hezbollah has rejected the framework agreement.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said on Monday that the continued presence of Israeli forces in southern Lebanon was preventing the Lebanese army from deploying throughout the area.

According to a statement issued by his office, Aoun said international pressure was needed to secure an Israeli withdrawal, arguing that the continued occupation undermined the authority of the Lebanese state and delayed efforts to establish the conditions necessary for a just and lasting peace.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that Israeli troops would remain in southern Lebanon for as long as necessary to protect communities in northern Israel and ensure the country’s security.

Lebanese authorities say Israeli military operations since March 2 have killed around 4,300 people and displaced more than one million residents. The United Nations has said that more than 640,000 displaced people have returned to their homes since June 22, although security conditions remain fragile in parts of southern Lebanon.

The footage, published by the Israeli newspaper Haaretz and widely circulated online, shows an officer placing a stun grenade inside the vehicle before holding one of the doors shut as the device detonated. During the incident, one passenger was seen escaping through another door while the driver appeared unable to leave immediately.

According to the report, the officer was heard confronting the occupants of the vehicle before throwing the device inside. The circumstances leading to the confrontation were not immediately clear.

Israeli authorities said the officer’s actions were “not in accordance with procedure.” The case has been referred to the Justice Ministry’s department responsible for investigating alleged misconduct by police officers, while disciplinary action is being pursued.

Stun grenades, also known as flash-bang devices, are commonly used by security forces as less-lethal crowd-control tools, particularly during demonstrations and public-order operations.

The incident drew criticism from Israeli opposition lawmaker Naama Lazimi of the Labour Party, who said the footage reflected what she described as escalating violence and the erosion of institutional norms in the occupied West Bank. She warned that failing to enforce accountability could contribute to further violence.

The Israeli authorities had not announced the outcome of the investigation or whether additional measures would be taken against the officer at the time of publication.

The Ministry of Transport said in a statement posted on X that maritime operations could restart with immediate effect. The announcement rescinds a June 29 advisory that had called for the temporary suspension of sailing and fishing boats until further notice.

Commercial shipping had remained exempt from the earlier restrictions and continued operating throughout the suspension period.

While authorizing the resumption of maritime activities, the ministry urged vessel operators and all maritime users to continue complying with existing navigation rules and safety regulations to ensure secure operations at sea.

The government did not explain why the temporary restrictions were being lifted or provide additional details about the circumstances behind the earlier precautionary measures.

The June 29 advisory was issued one day after Qatari authorities announced that one of the country’s citizens had died after suffering shrapnel injuries resulting from what officials described as military operations in the region. The incident followed the disappearance of the individual’s vessel.

The temporary suspension of recreational and fishing activities came against the backdrop of elevated regional tensions affecting Gulf waters, although commercial maritime traffic was permitted to continue under the earlier guidance.

Sunday’s announcement signals a return to normal maritime operations for sailing and fishing vessels, while authorities continue to emphasize adherence to established maritime safety procedures.

Authorities ordered people to leave the area around the Washington Monument after summer thunderstorms threatened the capital, raising uncertainty over the evening’s program. Freedom 250, the organization overseeing the celebrations, later said attendees would be allowed back into the venue and that Trump’s address had been postponed by one hour to 11:00 p.m. Eastern Time (0300 GMT).

Trump reinforced that message in a social media post, saying he would attend “no matter what” and urging supporters to continue with the festivities despite the delay.

The weather added to logistical challenges that had already affected the anniversary celebrations. Visitors endured enhanced security measures and temperatures reaching 102 degrees Fahrenheit (39 degrees Celsius), while an intense heat wave forced the cancellation of several parades and other outdoor events in and around Washington.

Long queues formed outside security checkpoints as thousands waited to enter the event site. Glen Solander, a 60-year-old software engineer visiting from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, said enduring the difficult conditions was simply part of attending the national celebration.

The gathering also drew members of Patriot Front, a white nationalist organization that announced on social media it had traveled to Washington. Hundreds of individuals wearing the group’s distinctive attire were seen using Metro trains serving the Washington metropolitan area. Local police said they had received no reports of violence linked to the group’s presence.

The Independence Day commemorations have attracted heightened political attention under Trump’s administration. While previous U.S. presidents have generally avoided making in-person appearances at July 4 celebrations in the nation’s capital, Trump has taken a more visible role, blending official anniversary events with the style of his political rallies.

The administration-backed Freedom 250 organization has assumed a leading role in organizing the country’s semiquincentennial celebrations, largely eclipsing a bipartisan commission established in 2016 to oversee preparations for the 250th anniversary.

Large sections of the approximately 1.5-mile National Mall have been enclosed for what organizers describe as a “Great American State Fair.” The site includes a Ferris wheel, exhibitions by conservative organizations and displays from defense contractors. Freedom 250 says the fair is intended to highlight the people, achievements and innovations that have shaped the United States.

The celebrations have not attracted universal participation. Several states led by Democratic governors declined to send official delegations, while numerous performers scheduled to appear withdrew from the program, citing concerns that the anniversary events had become increasingly partisan. Trump formally launched the broader celebration with a rally on June 24.

Attendance at the fair was initially modest but increased significantly in recent days, resulting in entrance lines stretching for several city blocks. Businesses operating within Smithsonian Institution museums near the National Mall experienced near-record sales on Friday, according to Smithsonian executive Frank DiGiovine.

Freedom 250 has also sponsored additional events beyond the Independence Day program, including a faith rally featuring predominantly conservative Christian speakers and multiple sporting events. Among them is a planned mixed martial arts card on the White House grounds scheduled to coincide with Trump’s 80th birthday on June 14, as well as an IndyCar race planned for Washington in August.

Some of the organization’s initiatives, including promotional “Freedom Trucks,” have drawn criticism from opponents who argue they present an overly religious interpretation of American history while minimizing subjects such as slavery and racial injustice.

Public opinion reflects those divisions. A Reuters/Ipsos poll found that most Americans believe events marking the nation’s 250th anniversary have become excessively political, including roughly three-quarters of Democrats and about half of Republicans.

The anniversary has also coincided with broader efforts by Trump to reshape parts of the U.S. capital ahead of the milestone. While numerous fountains and statues have been renovated, officials have encountered difficulties with a $15 million refurbishment of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, where security personnel now patrol an area still affected by peeling paint and algae in the water.

Police said the man was seen during the afternoon ascending the structure between its second and third levels, where he displayed the Stars and Stripes. Authorities responded by evacuating the tower’s forecourt as well as the second and third floors while the situation was brought under control.

The individual was taken into custody after the incident. Police said he did not provide any explanation for his actions or his motivation for climbing the monument.

Officials subsequently removed the U.S. flag from the Eiffel Tower, restoring normal access after the temporary security measures were lifted.

The incident occurred as the United States marked the 250th anniversary of its Declaration of Independence, a milestone commemorated through official ceremonies and public celebrations both in the United States and abroad.

The Eiffel Tower, one of the world’s most recognizable landmarks, welcomes about seven million paying visitors annually. Standing 324 meters (1,063 feet) tall, it remains the defining symbol of the French capital and one of Europe’s most visited tourist attractions.

The monument was designed by engineer Gustave Eiffel and unveiled in 1889 for the Exposition Universelle, or World’s Fair, held in Paris to showcase technological and industrial achievements. More than a century later, the iron structure continues to serve as both a major tourist destination and a prominent venue for public events, celebrations and occasional demonstrations that attract international attention.

Authorities did not indicate whether the incident caused any injuries or damage to the landmark, and no further details about the suspect were immediately released.

The insurgent group said it targeted the northern town where Malian government forces and Russian paramilitary personnel maintain a presence. The statement marked the latest claim of responsibility by armed groups operating in Mali’s volatile north, where the government has continued military operations against insurgent movements.

Residents in two additional localities, one in northern Mali and another in the country’s central region, said they heard exchanges of gunfire and explosions on Saturday. The reports suggested that violence had spread beyond a single location, although the immediate extent of the attacks and any casualties were not immediately clear.

There was no immediate official statement detailing the outcome of the reported assaults. Information from conflict zones in Mali is often difficult to verify independently because of security restrictions and limited access to affected areas.

The latest incidents underscore the persistent security challenges confronting Mali despite years of military campaigns aimed at restoring state control. Armed groups continue to operate across large parts of northern and central Mali, where attacks on military positions and strategic towns remain frequent.

Northern Mali has long been the center of successive Tuareg rebellions, with armed movements seeking greater autonomy or independence for territories they claim as their homeland. The region has also become a battleground involving jihadist organizations, ethnic militias and government forces, contributing to prolonged instability across the wider Sahel.

In recent years, Mali’s military authorities have increasingly relied on Russian security support following a deterioration in relations with several Western partners. Russian paramilitary personnel have been deployed alongside Malian forces in operations against insurgent groups, according to Malian authorities and international observers.

The security environment has remained fragile despite repeated offensives by government forces. Armed groups have continued to mount attacks against military installations, transport routes and administrative centers, challenging the state’s efforts to extend authority across remote regions.

Central Mali has also experienced recurring violence, with insecurity expanding beyond the country’s traditional northern conflict zones. The overlapping presence of insurgent factions and other armed groups has complicated efforts to stabilize affected communities.

Saturday’s reported attacks come as Mali continues to grapple with an entrenched insurgency that has reshaped the country’s security landscape over the past decade. The latest claims by the Tuareg-led group and accounts from residents in multiple towns indicate that armed confrontations remain active across geographically dispersed areas.

Authorities had not immediately released further operational details, and Reuters could not independently verify the insurgent group’s account or the reports from residents. The situation remained fluid as information continued to emerge from the affected areas.