Syrian Interior Minister Anas Khattab announced on Thursday the arrest of the "cell" responsible for two improvised explosive device bombings in central Damascus on Tuesday, during a visit by French President Emmanuel Macron, without identifying its members pending the completion of investigations.
In a post on X, Khattab wrote: "The cell responsible for the terrorist bombings that targeted Damascus two days ago is now in our hands."
He added: "Following the completion of investigations, we will reveal to the public the identities of the cell members, their roles, and all of their connections."
Two simultaneous bombings using improvised explosive devices — one concealed inside a rubbish bin and the other inside a car parked on the roadside — targeted the vicinity of an upscale hotel where Macron had spent the night during his unprecedented visit to Damascus.
The two blasts killed one person and wounded 36 others, according to the Ministry of Health.
The explosions occurred after the French president's motorcade had left the hotel en route to the presidential palace for expanded talks with his Syrian counterpart Ahmed Al-Sharaa.
The authorities pledged to arrest those responsible and hold them accountable. Al-Sharaa praised Macron's "courage" in continuing his visit.
During the visit, Macron renewed his support for the new authorities, stating that these attacks should not "destabilise" Syria.