Afghan arrested for plotting terror attacks in US

An Afghan national, arrested for allegedly plotting Mumbai-type attacks on US cities, has been indicted by a New York court for conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction.

"The indictment alleges that Najibullah Zazi conspired with others to use explosive devices against persons or property in the United States," said Attorney General Eric Holder on Thursday. "We are investigating a wide range of leads related to this alleged conspiracy, and we will continue to work around the clock to ensure that anyone involved is brought to justice," he said.

Zazi along with two other Afghan nationals living in the US, were arrested last week as a part of the probe by the Federal Bureau of Investigation of a Mumbai or London-type terrorist attack in the New York city targeting major transportation centres and public hubs.

While 24-year-old Najibullah Zazi and his father 53-year-old Mohammed Wali Zazi, were arrested in Colorado;37-year-old Ahmad Wais Afzali was arrested in New York.

"We believe any imminent threat arising from this case has been disrupted, but as always, we remind the American public to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to law enforcement," Holder said.

The 24-year-old shuttle driver from Colorado said he got instructions for bomb making from Pakistan and was trying to build a bomb.

The Justice Department said Zazi purchased "large quantities of hydrogen peroxide" and acetone from beauty parlours in Denver over the last three months and used them for making the bomb.

Meanwhile, a 29-year-old Michael C Finton alias Talib Islam, was arrested after attempting to detonate a bomb inside a van outside a federal courthouse in Springfield, Illinois, on Thursday, authorities said, adding the FBI agents had infiltrated the alleged plot months ago.

Hours after, a 19-year-old Jordanian was arrested for plotting to bomb a skyscraper in Dallas, officials said.

Hosam Maher Husein Smadi was nabbed by the federal authorities after putting a fake bomb given to him by an undercover agent in an skyscraper.