Policemen arrest suspects over terrorism attacks in Belgium

Belgian police arrested two suspects who are known of plotting terrorism in Brussels. The suspects were accused of planning attacks against several symbolic targets in the said area. The raids were done weeks after the jihadist bombings and shootings in Paris.

According to BBC News, the raids took place on Sunday and Monday in Brussels and the provinces of Flemish Brabant and Liege. In the raids, the policemen were not able to retrieve any weapons and explosives, but only military clothing and computer equipment. However, related news mentioned that the suspects were not linked to Paris attacks which were claimed by the Islamic State group. Though, one of the arrested suspects was found leading and recruiting for a terrorist cell. The prosecutor's officer said in Yahoo News, "The suspects are playing a lead role in the activities of a terrorist group and recruiting for terrorist acts."

In addition, the news added that Belgium's OCAM national crisis center has been set on high alert since the attacks on November 13 in Paris. In this regard, the city authorities are deciding if a New Year's Eve fireworks display at Place de Brouckere will proceed. In the past, the Belgian authorities deployed troops in addition to police reinforcements last year in other locations in Brussels.

On the other hand, Reuters mentioned that there were a total of six people who were arrested, but the four people were later on released. The Belgian authorities became vigilant after the Paris attacks that left 130 dead people. The attacks were lead by suicide bombers, Brahim Abdeslam and Bilal Hadfi, who had lived in Belgium.

As of the moment, there are no reports whether fireworks display will still occur at the New Year's Eve in Belguim. Announcement has to be made yet for the high alert status in the said place for additional policemen and troops for the upcoming holiday.

Tags

Belgian police, Belgium attack, Paris attack, Brussels, Flemish Brabant, Liege, terrorism in Belgium

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