Canadian authorities say they have two men in custody for plotting to attack a commuter rail line in Toronto.

Toronto resident Chiheb Esseghaier and Raed Jaser of Montreal allegedly were aided by al-Qaida elements in Iran, Canada's National Post reports. Officials did not release many details, including what explosives would be used in the attack, or where the suspects – who are not Canadian citizens – came from.

"Had this plot been carried out, it would have resulted in innocent people being killed or seriously injured," Royal Canadian Mounted Police official James Malidza told reporters. The men received "direction and guidance" from al-Qaida sources in Iran.

"This is the first known al-Qaida planned attack that we've experienced in Canada," said RCMP Supt. Doug Best.

The rail line targeted is believed to travel between New York and Toronto. More details could emerge when the suspects appear in court Tuesday. Law enforcement had been watching the suspects for more than a year, the CBC reports. The men had the ability to carry out the attack, but authorities moved in before there was an imminent threat to public safety, Malidza said.

"Project Smooth" began last August. It included the RCMP, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service and, in America, the FBI and Department of Homeland Security, an RCMP statement said.