Mortars land near Syrian presidential palace

Damascus, Feb 19 (AP) A Syrian official says two mortars have exploded near one of President Bashar Assad's palaces in the capital Damascus. The official said the rounds struck today near the southern wall of the Tishreen palace, in the capital's northwestern Muhajireen district, but caused only material damages. No casualties were reported and it was unclear whether Assad was in the palace. He has two others in the city. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to brief the media. (AP) SAI 02192054 NNNN