Jordan says it foiled a 'massive' IS-linked terror plot

Jordanian intelligence have foiled a "massive" plan by the Islamic State group for simultaneous attacks on military installations, shopping centres and other targets, according to the kingdom's state news said on Monday.

Petra news agency said the cell planned to carry out the attacks last November, seeking to harm national security and create chaos.

Security forces arrested 17 people and seized weapons and other materials in anti-terror raids, according to the agency.

Media organisations and moderate clerics were among would-be targets, the agency added.

The suspects had planned to finance their plot by robbing banks and stealing cars in the towns of Ruseifa and Zarqa, both known for their conservative sentiments.

Pro-West Jordan has been a key member of the US-led military campaign against IS in neighbouring Iraq and Syria.

There have been concerns that IS is on the verge of complete defeat in neighbouring Syria and Iraq, returning foreign jihadis would stage attacks in their home countries and seek new bases abroad.

IS has claimed previous terror attacks in Jordan, including a suicide bombing that killed Jordanian soldiers in mid-2016.