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SYDNEY: Australian police yesterday arrested 17 people, including a Muslim cleric and a man they said wanted to become a suicide bomber, on charges of planning terrorist attacks as part of a "violent jihad in Australia".

One of the arrested men was in critical condition in hospital after being shot by police when he opened fire during early morning raids in Sydney and Melbourne. Police seized chemicals, firearms, computers, backpacks and travel documents in the raids.

The loose-knit group did not have a target, but it was trying to buy chemicals similar to those used in the London bombings in July, for a "cata strophic" attack, police said.

"I am satisfied that we have disrupted what I would regard as the final stages of a terrorist attack or the launch of a terrorist attack in Australia," New South Wales police commissioner Ken Moroney said.

During a court appearance, police said cleric Abu Bakr, who called Osama bin Laden a "great man", was the spiritual leader of the group. He was remanded in custody until Jan 31.

The Melbourne court was told the men had engaged in military-like training in rural Australia and that one man had expressed a desire to become a "martyr" in Australia.

The court was told the men had stolen cars to raise funds to buy firearms and chemicals.

The Sydney group had tried to buy chemicals used in the London bombings and the Melbourne group had ordered chemical handling equipment.

Police said they had 240 hours of telephone intercepts and recordings of the group.

Victorian state Police Commissioner Christine Nixon told reporters the group did not have a target and specifically ruled out the Commonwealth Games, which are due to be held in Melbourne in March.

Australian media last week said that possible targets under police watch were the Sydney Opera House, the harbour bridge, oil refineries and stock exchange.

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