Syria’s armed forces said a military base near the Lebanese border came under artillery attack by the Lebanese militia Hezbollah.
“He comes from a very tough place, and he’s a tough guy. I like him,” said Mr Trump, heaping praise on Mr al-Sharaa.
A statement from the Syrian presidential office said Mr Macron congratulated Mr Al-Sharaa on taking over the presidency and on “liberating the country.’’
Attendees were seen waving Syrian flags and chanting slogans supporting al-Sharaa and opposing the long-time rule of toppled dictator Bashar al-Assad.
Mr Pedersen noted the “immense” change since the fall of the Assad regime.
