Two arrested for allegedly plotting attacks in Brussels

Belgian police have arrested two people suspected of plotting attacks against landmarks in Brussels during New Year celebrations, prosecutors said Tuesday.

Propaganda for the so-called Islamic State group was among the materials seized. Brussels, especially its Molenbeek neighborhood, has been at the centre of an investigation into the attacks, as several of the assailants came from Belgium, and one of the suspected attackers is believed to have returned there.

Belgian police officers arrest a man during a continued high level security situation following the recent deadly Paris attacks, in Brussels, Belgium, November 2.

Initially a total of six people were detained, but four have been released. The arrests weren’t connected with the probe into the November 13 terrorist attacks in Paris, according to the statement. However, no weapons or explosives were found, Associated Press reported.

Two of the Paris suicide bombers, Brahim Abdeslam and Bilal Hadfi, had been living in Belgium.

The raids were ordered by an investigating magistrate in Brussels who specialises in terrorism cases.

The likely target of the attacks, according to a person briefed on the investigation, were the police and military personnel patrolling downtown Brussels. Abaaoud, however, was not there.