Two Italian intelligence officers have been arrested in connection with the alleged CIA kidnapping of a terrorism suspect on Italian soil.

Legal authorities in Milan are probing the case of Egyptian Abu Omar, who claims he was abducted in 2003.

The Muslim cleric says he was flown to Egypt and tortured under questioning after being seized on a street in Milan in broad daylight.

Arrest warrants have been issued for four Americans – adding to 22 previous ones.

Prosecutors say one of the two Italians arrested is Marco Mancini, a director at the military intelligence agency.

It is the first time Italian officials have been linked to the investigation.

The Abu Omar case is one of the best-known examples of alleged CIA secret operations. A report from Europe’s leading human rights watchdog said 14 European nations had colluded with the CIA on secret flights transferring terror suspects.

Copyright © 2012 euronews