7 held around Washington in anti-terrorist raids

CNN quoted intelligence officials as saying that the men were suspected of providing material support to Lashkar-e-Taiba, a radical Muslim group battling Indian forces in disputed Kashmir.

Three people were arrested in the state of Maryland, three in Virginia and one in Pennsylvania, said the FBI official, speaking on condition of anonymity.

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The official said all seven were suspected of involvement in terrorist activities but gave no other details.

The US authorities have made no special terrorist alert warning in recent days.

CNN said there was no evidence the seven were working on a terrorist plot against US targets.