Powerful Blast Rocks Damascus          05/18 13:59

   Syrian state TV says a powerful explosion has hit the nation's capital, 
causing an unknown number of casualties.

   BEIRUT (AP) -- Syrian state TV says a powerful explosion has hit the 
nation's capital, causing an unknown number of casualties.

   State TV says the blast rattled the Damascus neighborhood of Ruken al-Deen 
late Saturday.

   Residents confirmed they heard a large explosion and that it that shook the 
area.

   No further details were immediately available.


(KA)