17 arrested for planning Egypt attacks

Cairo: An Egyptian security official says 17 young men have been arrested on charges of possessing explosives and arms, and for allegedly planning attacks north of Cairo.

The official said the group was arrested late Wednesday in the village of Mansoura, 70 miles northeast of the capital.

He spoke on condition of anonymity because he wasn't authorized to speak to the media.

The official says the suspects admitted to sympathizing with the banned Islamist group Jihad and were sent to Cairo for further interrogation.