Two men thought to be planning to strike synagogues in New York have been arrested just ten days after the city celebrated the death of the man behind the September 11 terrorist attacks.

The pair, described as Muslims of North African descent, were detained by police as they attempted to buy AK-47s, hand grenades and other weapons.

Police ruled out that the attack was a response to the death of the al-Qaida leader, but said the suspects had been overheard plotting about the attack.

According to ABC News Radio, the plot was the 13th attack on the city prevented since September 11.