Damascus, July 7 (SANA)Syria’sInterior Ministryspokesperson,Nour Al‑Din Al‑Baba, announced the discovery of an initial lead pointing to those responsible for the twoterrorist explosionsthat occurred Tuesday morning near the Ministry of Tourism inDamascus.

Speaking to reporters during his inspection of the blast site, Al‑Baba said preliminary findings indicate that the explosive devices were planted only minutes before detonation, not long in advance.

Al‑Baba explained that it is still too early to announce the parties involved, despite the presence of initial indicators regarding their identity. He stressed that all details will be made public in the coming days once investigations and security operations aimed at apprehending the attackers are completed.

Attempt to target the security perimeter

Al‑Baba stated that, in the context of French President Emmanuel Macron’s official visit to Damascus, there had been an attempt to target the security perimeter protecting the president. However, the explosions, caused by improvised explosive devices, occurred at the edge of the perimeter and failed to breach it.

He added that the Damascus Internal Security Command, in cooperation with the Criminal Investigation Department, immediately launched an investigation into the attacks, which he said were intended to undermine Syrian‑French relations and negatively affect the French visit, which is expected to advance new economic partnerships with Syria.

Syria’s role in counterterrorism

Al‑Baba noted that Syria’s prominent role in combating terrorism makes it a target for such attacks, pointing to external attempts to drag Syria into regional conflicts. He emphasized Syria’s geopolitical importance, highlighted during the Strait of Hormuz crisis, and its ability to recover and rebuild, as well as its emergence as a safe and stable country where citizens live freely and securely.

He added that the symbolic location of the attack,near the Palace of Justice,was intended to disrupt transitional justice efforts and accountability for remnants of the deposed regime. He said the timing also aimed to obstruct the French president’s visit and the strategic agreements planned for signing, stressing that the political objective of the attack had failed and the visit would proceed as scheduled.

Focus on media and political impact

Al‑Baba said the explosions were designed to generate media and political impact rather than significant security damage, but they failed to achieve their intended effect. He affirmed that the Interior Ministry is intensifying efforts to thwart all attempts to destabilize Syria’s security.

He expressed wishes for the swift recovery of all the injured, including members of the Internal Security Forces, some of whom sustained serious injuries.