Jordan charges 11 in alleged terror plot

• 11 men with suspected ties to al-Qaeda have been charged in Jordan
• The men were allegedly planning attacks on shopping malls and Western diplomatic missions
• They will be tried in military court

AMMAN, Jordan (AP) — A Jordanian official with the country's military prosecutors says 11 men with suspected links to al-Qaeda have been charged with terrorism conspiracy for allegedly planning attacks on shopping malls and Western diplomatic missions.

The official says the suspects — all Jordanians in their 20s and 30s — have confessed to plotting attacks and illegally possessing weapons and explosives.

He said Monday the men will be tried in a military court. No date has been set for the trial. If convicted, they face the death penalty.

Jordanian officials have said some of the men are affiliated with the banned Salafi movement, which promotes an ultraorthodox brand of Islam.

All of the officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not allowed to comment on an ongoing investigation.