12 people plotting terror attacks arrested overnight in Belgium – prosecutor

“In connection with a criminal investigation concerning terrorism… 40 people were taken for questioning. Twelve of them were arrested. The investigating judge will decide on their possible detention later today,” the prosecutor’s office said.

Some 40 addresses were searched during the raid.

The anti-terrorism operation was carried out in 16 areas, according to RTBF. Apart from Brussels, these sites included Molenbeek-St-Jean, Schaerbeek, Anderlecht, Koekelberg, Sint-Agatha-Berchem, Evere, Forest, Watermael-Boitsfort, Ganshoren, Zaventem, Ninove, Wemmel, Fleurus Tubize and Liège.

Evidence was gathered [and] as part of the instruction [we] needed to intervene immediately,” the federal prosecutor said in a statement.

No weapons or explosives have been found during the raids so far.

The suspects were planning to carry out attacks in the areas of events linked to Euro-2016 in Brussels this weekend, Flemish-speaking VTM broadcaster reported

The broadcaster added that the attacks could have been targeted the festive events linked to Saturday’s Euro-2016 match.

Belgium has been on high alert since twin suicide bombings hit Brussels’ Airport and Maelbeek Metro station on March 22. The Metro station was not far from the building housing the EU Commission and the Council of the European Union, as well as NATO headquarters.

With a population of about 11 million people, Belgium has been the source of more Islamic State (IS formerly, ISIS/ISIL) recruits per capita than any other country in Europe, according to the United Nations Working Group.

Numerous raids have been held in the mainly Muslim area of Brussels called Molenbeek, which is often referred to as an “Islamist hotspot.” Many of the suspects involved in the Paris attacks grew up and lived in Molenbeek, including terror mastermind Abdelhamid Abaaoud, the Abdeslam brothers, and Mohamed Abrini, who was also involved in the Brussels attacks. 

Earlier in June, reports emerged that Belgium’s capital may once again see terror attacks beginning this month, as schools, hospitals and public places where people gather for Euro-2016 related events may be targeted by extremists during the Islamic Ramadan holiday.

In May, Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS/ISIL) called on its followers to carry out terror attacks in the US and Europe during Ramadan. The message said that June should be made into a “month of calamity” for unbelievers all over the world.

Source Article from https://www.rt.com/news/347247-dozen-arrested-belgium-terrorism/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS

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