Two explosions in central Damascus on Tuesday injured 18 people during a visit by French President Emmanuel Macron, according to Syria's Interior Ministry.

The ministry said the explosions occurred outside the security perimeter designated for the French president's residence and posed no direct threat to the residence or the official visit, which continued as scheduled. Four police officers were among the injured.

Shortly after reports of the explosions emerged, state media said Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa received Macron at the People's Palace in Damascus.

The blasts occurred near the Ministry of Tourism building, not far from the Four Seasons Hotel.

In a statement carried by the state-run SANA news agency, the Interior Ministry said security forces had discovered two explosive devices, which detonated as bomb disposal teams were preparing to defuse them.

According to the preliminary investigation, the improvised explosive devices had been placed inside a parked vehicle and a roadside garbage container.

The ministry said security forces had cordoned off the area to ensure public safety, while specialized teams launched search and security operations.