Belgian authorities arrest 12 in major anti-terror raid

The federal prosecutor’s office said Saturday that homes and vehicle ports were searched in 16 municipalities, mostly in and around Brussels There were no major incidents during the raids and that no arms or explosives were found.

“152 garage lockups were searched as well”, it said, adding: “Currently no further information can be given concerning the seized items or the identities of the arrested persons”.

“The suspects were planning to carry out attacks while the Red Devils were playing a match at the European Championships this weekend, said Flemish public broadcaster VTM’s Farouk Özgünes”.

The detentions were made as evidence gathered during the investigation required immediate intervention, the prosecutor’s office has said in a statement.

According to media reports, the police took in 40 people for questioning and arrested 12 who have been allegedly plotting a terrorist attack.

“It will be the case in the coming hours that we will take additional and adapted measures”, said Michel after a meeting of the nation’s security council.

There were several warnings of new attacks in recent days.

Europe is on high alert as the Euro 2016 soccer tournament is under way in neighbouring France. ISIS claimed responsibility for the attacks.

A spokeswoman for Paris public prosecutor Francois Molins said two people close to Abballa would meet a judge on Saturday.

Separately, a judiciary source told Reuters on Friday a 22-year-old man suspected of planning attacks on tourists had been jailed on terrorism charges after being arrested at the start of the week.

On Friday, police arrested and detained Belgian national Youssef EA on suspicion of taking part in terrorist activities in connection with the recent Brussels attacks.

It comes after Belgium security officials were put on alert last week that a group of Islamic State fighters had reportedly left Syria heading for Belgium and France.