(Newser)
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Jordan has foiled what it calls a "major terrorist plot," arresting 11 men who were planning a series of attacks they dubbed "9/11 (2)." The men, described as being "associated with the ideology of al-Qaeda," planned to start by attacking diplomats in hotels; then bomb two shopping malls; then attack other locations including residential buildings using TNT, new forms of explosives, car bombs, suicide bombers, and other weapons, ABC News reports, citing state media.
The men are accused of getting some of the weapons from Syria, and of consulting with explosives experts associated with al-Qaeda. Authorities say they discovered the plan months ago, then kept the group "under constant surveillance." "Their objective was to create a highly destructive explosive that would cause the highest number of casualties and extensive physical damage," reads a government statement. Though Jordan has not seen widespread protests yet, discontent with the monarchy has been increasing. The 11 alleged terrorists may be associated with the ultra-conservative Salafism.
