Jordan seizes explosives in cars

Security has been tightened at key sites in the capital Amman

The authorities in Jordan say they have seized cars filled with explosives and weapons, and arrested several suspects.

Jordanian TV carried an official statement saying that the discovery had averted terrorist attacks.

It gave no further details but earlier reports said Jordanian security forces had been searching for more than a week for car bombs.

The search was prompted by the arrest of suspected members of a cell thought to be linked to al-Qaeda.

Jordanian Television, quoting an unnamed security source, carried a vaguely worded statement saying the authorities were able to "foil the subversive and terrorist attempts which targeted the security and safety of the country".

"Several suspects have been arrested," the statement added.

The government said earlier this month that several terror suspects were arrested on the border with Syria after their car was found with explosives and detonators.

Three others got away and Syrian television ran their pictures appealing for any information on them.

A senior security source told Reuters news agency that those most recently arrested planned to attack American interests in Jordan, a key US ally.

"There is no doubt in our minds they are linked with al-Qaeda," he said.

Security has been tightened at public offices and western embassies around the capital Amman in the last two weeks.