RABAT, Morocco (AP) — Moroccan authorities say they have arrested three militants accused of recruiting fighters and funding groups linked to al-Qaida that are fighting against the government in Syria.

The Moroccan interior ministry said in a statement Monday two men have been arrested in the city of Fez for collaborating with agents on the Turkey-Syria border to recruit men to fight with the al-Qaida-linked groups.

It said a man was also arrested in the city of Mrirt accused of pirating bank cards to send money to such groups.

Hundreds of Moroccans are estimated to be fighting with radical Islamist groups in Syria and local human rights groups say dozens have been arrested upon their return.

In April, police announced disrupting another recruiting cell.

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