Jordan: Large arms cache seized near Syrian border

By JAMAL HALABY
Associated Press

AMMAN, Jordan (AP) -- An army spokesman in Jordan says border police have arrested smugglers trying to sneak in a large cache of arms from neighboring Syria.

The spokesman says the group arrested late Thursday included Jordanians and other Arab nationalities.

The official said the arms included mainly machine guns. He said and an investigation had begun.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity in line with army regulations.

Jordan has been concerned that al-Qaida-linked militants in Syria may use its territory as a haven as they escape attacks from the Syrian army. There is also concern that the militants may try to smuggle in weapons to use in attacks to destabilize the pro-U.S. kingdom, one of two Arabs states with a signed peace treaty with Israel