Dozens of raids, 12 arrests in Belgian anti-terror raid

It revealed an ongoing counter-terrorism investigation “necessitated an immediate intervention”.

The statement added: “Currently no further information can be given concerning the seized items or the identities of the arrested persons”.

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

Public broadcaster VTM reports that the dozen arrested were suspected of an attack in Brussels that would occur during today’s Euro 2016 showdown between Belgium and Ireland.

Separately, a French judicial source told Reuters on Friday that 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.

No weapons or explosives were found, the prosecutors said. Numerous suspects involved in the Paris attacks grew up and lived in Molenbeek, including mastermind Abdelhamid Abaaoud, the Abdeslam brothers, and Mohamed Abrini, who was also involved in the Brussels attacks.

Areas where fans watch matches in Brussels were potential targets, as well as other crowded areas such as shopping centers and stations, Belgian media reported.

The federal prosecutor’s office said police raided about 40 houses and 152 garages across the country on Friday and Saturday.

This story has been corrected to reflect that the attacks in Belgium were in March, not November.

Three Belgian men have been charged with terrorism offences following a major security operation across the country.

One of the searches in Wallonia was conducted in the area of Fleurus close to Charleroi airport – the country’s second global air hub – and a region that also hosts part of the country’s nuclear industry.

On Monday a French policeman and his police officer partner were stabbed to death outside their home in Paris in an attack claimed by Islamic State.

At the same time, four top ministers, including Michel, Jambon and Justice Minister Koen Geens received special protection following unspecified threats. The action comes as security concerns hover over Europe with Euro 2016 now underway.

A Belgian citizen, identified only as Youssef E.A., born on August 4, 1985, was arrested and detained in connection with the March attacks, the federal prosecutor said in a statement late on Friday.