AMMAN Ñ Jordan has warned the Islamic opposition against fomenting unrest amid a government crackdown on dissidence.

Opposition sources said scores of people have been arrested in the kingdom since the U.S.-led attack on Afghanistan. They said most of them are Islamic militants, including members of the Muslim Brotherhood.

"The government warns any party whoever it may be against any attempt to undermine the security and stability of the kingdom and affirms it will take all necessary measures to maintain national security for the interest of the country," a Jordanian government statement said.

The statement did not identify elements accused of trying to foment unrest.

Islamic opposition sources said scores of dissidents have been arrested. They said the detentions began in the wake of the Sept. 11 Islamic suicide attacks on New York and Washington but intensified with the U.S.-led military campaign on Afghanistan.

Some of those arrested were accused of being organizers of demonstrations in support of Bin Laden and against Israel. Jordanian sources have confirmed reports that Bin Laden tried to assassinate King Abdullah last year during a holiday in the Mediterranean.

On Tuesday, Abdullah left for a week-long European tour. The king will visit Berlin, Rome and Ankara and meet with government leaders there.

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