AMMAN, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Jordan's intelligence department thwarted a major terrorist plot by the so-called Islamic State, the state-run Petra news agency reported on Monday.

The terrorist group plotted to carry out the attack in November, the department said, indicating that the attacks sought to cause instability in the Kingdom.

A total of 17 persons were arrested for involvement in the plot. They were arrested while in possession of weapons and other equipment they planned to use in the attacks.

They planned to target military and security centres, shopping malls, media outlets and moderate religious scholars.

They planned to rob banks in Zarqa and Russaifeh area in Jordan to secure needed finance and steal some cars too.

They were referred to concerned authorities and charged of plotting to carry out terrorist attacks and promoting for terrorist groups, among other charges.