Brussels Cancels New Year’s Fete, Cites Terror Threat

Brussels has cancelled its annual New Year’s Eve party and fireworks for security reasons, the mayor announced on Wednesday, as the Belgian capital remains on high alert over a possible terrorism threat.

Belgian police have so far arrested nine people in connection with the Paris attacks, but prosecutors have said the suspected New Year’s Eve plotters are unconnected to the atrocity that claimed 130 lives.

Mayeur made the move based on the latest intelligence and the meeting held Wednesday by the Belgian Crisis Center, which told him that “the risk is significant” of some sort of attack.

Belgian soldiers patrol on Grand Place, December 29, 2015, after two people were arrested, both suspected of plotting an attack in Brussels on New Year’s Eve. Authorities reportedly said that two of the Paris suicide bombers, Brahim Abdeslam and Bilal Hadfi, had been living in Belgium. He has been charged with “terrorist murder” and involvement in the activities of a terrorist group, it said.

And on Wednesday, Turkish authorities detained two suspected Islamic State members believed to be planning suicide attacks on New Year’s celebrations in the country’s capital. The Mayor also said that the security of people visiting the city centre would be ensured.

About 11,000 soldiers, police and emergency workers will be deployed – 2,000 more than previous year – during subdued celebrations, the official city web site said, while there would be restrictions on the sale of alcohol.

“In these circumstances, we can’t check everyone”, Brussels Mayor Yvan Mayeur said.

Syria’s state news agency says that two “terrorist explosions” have gone off in the predominantly Kurdish northeastern city of Qamishli, killing 16 people and wounding 35.

He will appear in court within five days for a decision on prolongation of his detention, they said.

The two are reported to belong to a motorbike club called the Kamikaze Riders.

The coordinated terrorist attacks in Paris on November 13 hit the Stade de France in Saint-Denis as well as restaurants, cafés and a concert hall.

The announcement came as Brussels – home to the EU and North Atlantic Treaty Organisation – and other European capitals were on high alert over the threat of attacks during the New Year holiday.