Mortars fired in Syrian capital for first time

Activists in the Kafar Souseh neighbourhood of Damascus said security forces were firing mortars into orchards on the  outskirts of the city, close to the capital's southern highway, to try to force out rebels they believe are hiding there.

"People are terrified, families are getting in their cars and rushing as fast as they can to other areas. About 200 people in my area have left so far," said activist Hazem al-Aqad, speaking to Reuters on Skype.