Singapore says terror suspects were targeting US Embassy and businesses

Suspected al-Qaida militants arrested in Singapore were planning to blow up the US Embassy and American business interests in the city-state, according to official.

Recent arrests in Singapore and neighbouring Malaysia have uncovered a suspected terrorist network in Southeast Asia linked to Osama bin Laden

It raises concerns the region's close ties to Washington could make it a target for terrorism.

Security around embassies and other sensitive areas in Singapore has been tightened while Police are setting up a roadblock outside the Israeli Embassy. Armed Gurkhas also stand watch at Singapore's American Club.

Singapore American Chamber of Commerce managing director Nicholas de Boursac said the arrests were "very positive news for the business community ... being further evidence of Singapore's and Malaysia's vigilance on this issue."

Singapore Defence Minister Tony Tan said 15 suspects arrested in Singapore in December had planned to blow up embassies and military installations, but he did not say which ones.

The 15 suspects - 14 Singaporeans and one Malaysian - were arrested after authorities found detailed information on bomb construction along with photographs and video footage of targeted buildings in the suspects' homes and offices.

Al-Qaida-linked materials, falsified passports and forged immigration stamps were also found.