Saturday, June 18, 2016

Belgian police arrest 12 on suspicion of terrorism plots

(Brussels) On Wednesday, Belgian police received an anti-terrorism alert warning that a group of Islamic State fighters had recently left Syria en route for Europe where they were allegedly planning attacks in Belgium and France . Last night twelve people suspected of planning terror attacks were arrested across Belgium as police carried out about 40 house searches.

“In connection with a criminal investigation concerning terrorism … 40 persons were taken for questioning,” the office said in a statement on Saturday. “Twelve among them were arrested. The investigating judge will decide on their possible detention later today.”

Europe is currently on high alert as the Euro 2016 football tournament is under way in neighbouring France.  The Flemish public broadcaster VTM said those arrested overnight were suspected of planning an attack in Brussels during one of Belgium’s Euro matches this weekend.