AMMAN: Police in the Jordanian capital say they have arrested a 12-member "terrorist cell" and seized "large quantities" of arms and ammunition.

A police statement on Wednesday says the pre-dawn arrest took place in a middle-class district northwest of Amman.

It provides no other details but a security official says the suspects are "outlaws plotting to disturb public order." He insisted that those arrested were not linked to neighboring Syria or the civil war there.

The official declined to elaborate pending an ongoing investigation. He insisted on anonymity because he is not permitted to make public statements until the probe is completed.

Jordan is concerned that Syria may use 'sleeping cells' to undermine security in its smaller southern neighbor.