Belgian prosecutor’s office reported 16 arrested during a raid in Brussels – Kommersant

During the anti-terrorist operation in Brussels, were detained 16 people, reports AFP referring to the prosecutor’s office. Among them there is the main suspect in the case of terrorist attacks in Paris Salah Abdeslama. It is also reported that, during the operation was not found weapons and explosives.

In addition, the prosecutor’s office reported that one of those detained during the raid sent your car to the police. “During the searches in a diner in Molenbeek a car headed in the direction of the police, police twice opened fire. The car managed to escape, but he was intercepted in Brussels. It is people injured, was arrested. At this point we can not say whether there is a link between this arrest and the ongoing investigation, “- said the representative of the prosecutor’s office.

Police in Belgium holds an interest-free scale counter-terrorist operation, which covers several municipalities of Brussels . A source close to Prime Minister Charles Michel said that “the operation is unprecedented not only because of the measures, but due to the number of forces involved, it was the result of several days of investigation, including with the involvement of these foreign intelligence services.” It is noted that the police conduct numerous searches and detention, and surgery is performed to neutralize individual threats to the security of Brussels.

As reported by “Kommersant”, the Belgian army and police blocked the Radisson Blue Hotel in Brussels. Special forces blocked the entrances and exits of the hotel, staff and guests are inside. It is also reported the presence of a considerable army and police in the area of ​​central Brussels Grand Place, eyewitnesses reported. It is noted that from the speaker sound team did not approach the windows. Police also blocked several streets adjacent to the Grand Place and Rue du Midi. Earlier, Prime Minister Charles Michel of Belgium at the end of an emergency meeting of the government reported that the highest level of anti-terrorism preparedness in the Belgian capital saved until Monday.

Recall, the Belgian authorities received information about a possible terrorist attack on the Paris scenario. Prime Minister Charles Michel confirmed that the level of terrorist threat in Brussels raised to the maximum. In the capital at the weekend closed the subway, large stores, concert and exhibition halls and stadiums, swimming pools and clubs. Mr Michel said that to prevent possible attacks mobilized a “very powerful security».

For more information about the situation in Belgium, read the material “b” “Police received information about the threat of terrorist attack in Brussels Paris scenario. ”