Canadian police and intelligence agents launched early morning raids at two homes on Ottawa Wednesday and have arrested two people on alleged terrorism offences.

Police arrested a husband and wife at in a middle-class neighborhood. Neighbors describe the couple as Middle Eastern in their late 30s. Investigators seized computer equipment from the couple’s home. Police also took photos of an automobile, which was later towed away.

Soon afterwards, police raided an apartment about five km from the site of the first raid. Police say more arrests are likely.

Police sources say the raids were part of an intelligence investigation called “Operation Samosa” that has been underway for about a year. They said the alleged terrorists planned to target buildings and people in Canada’s capital.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), the federal police force, will hold a press conference here to name the accused people and outline the reasons for the raid.

A spokesman for Canadian Public Safety Minister Vic Toews, who is in charge of Canada’s federal police and domestic anti-terrorism efforts, wouldn’t comment on the investigation but issued a statement saying Canada remains “vigilant in protecting against threats.”

“As Minister Toews has said, it is clear that Canada is not immune from international or homegrown radicalization,” said spokesman Chris McCluskey.

Police sources say the raids were launched Wednesday because at least one suspect was planning to leave Canada in the next few days.

It is the second time since the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on New York and Washington that the RCMP has arrested terror suspects planning to strike in this country.

In June 2006, a group of young men dubbed the Toronto 18 were rounded up and prosecuted for attempting to attack downtown targets and a military base north of the city. Eleven of the men were eventually convicted of terrorism-related offences.