Two brothers from Michigan, ages 32 and 33, have been arrested in Tunisia and are accused of spreading terrorism.

According to Tunisia Live, the two American brothers, their identities have not been released yet, were living in a house in Zahwa city, Jendouba and their actions raised suspicions with the local residents who then alerted authorities. The brothers were reportedly students at the University of Jendouba, but the police believe this might be a cover story as their living conditions and clothing do not match up with the norm for the local university.

A spokesman for Tunisia’s Ministry of Interior has confirmed the report, saying that the two brothers claimed to have been studying computer science at the University of Jendouba. Police discovered jihadist content on their personal laptops, the spokesperson said.

A report in Nessma TV confirmed the laptop held plans to blow up a number of institutions, as well as calls to Jihad. MosaiqueFM also report that the brothers had told interrogators, via a translator, that they had recently converted to Islam and planned to introduce Shariah law throughout Tunisia.

Sources within the Jendouba police department have denied that the two Americans were students, but have said that this was a cover story. Both were heavily bearded, unwashed and living in poor conditions within an encampment near the University.

Both brothers are said to have UAE stamps within their passport. – Tunisia Live

One of the brothers married a local Tunisian girl and she was also arrested. More to follow on this as Tunisian authorities continue their investigation.

Image courtesy of Reuters