Iraq condemns Damascus bombings during Macron visit

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Foreign Ministry on Tuesday condemned bomb attacks in the Syrian capital Damascus, saying the blasts targeted civilians and sought to “undermine security and stability” in Syria.

In a statement, the ministry denounced what it described as “terrorist bombings” carried out with improvised explosive devices that wounded a number of civilians.

“These criminal acts represent a flagrant violation of the security and stability of civilians and aim to undermine security and stability” in Syria, the ministry said, reiterating Iraq’s “firm and steadfast position rejecting all forms of terrorism, extremism and violence, regardless of their motives or justifications.”

Earlier Tuesday, Syria’s Interior Ministry said 18 people, including four police officers, were injured when two improvised explosive devices exploded in central Damascus during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit. One device was hidden in a parked car and the other in a trash bin, both near the Four Seasons Hotel where Macron had spent the night. His office said he did not hear the blasts and continued his meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa as planned.

No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.

The explosions came days after another bombing in the Syrian capital, when an improvised explosive device detonated at a café, killing at least 10 people and injuring more than 20.