BUJUMBURA, Burundi (AP) — Burundian police say they are holding two foreign journalists who were among 17 people swept up in a military operation.

Le Monde on Friday demanded the immediate release of Jean-Philippe Remy and British photojournalist Philip Edward Moore, who were on assignment for the French newspaper.

Moise Nkurunziza, a deputy spokesman for Burundian police, said Friday that the two were arrested in the capital.

Nkurunziza said Moore was arrested in the Nyakabiga neighborhood while allegedly meeting with armed rebels and that he attempted to flee when the security forces arrived. He said Remy was arrested when he came looking for Moore.

Willy Nyamitwe, a presidential spokesman, said the two journalists were among 17 people arrested overnight.