Image copyright Reuters Belgian authorities on Saturday night raised the level of terrorist threat in the capital, Brussels, to the highest – fourth, warning the public about a high probability of attacks, similar to those that occurred last week in Paris , which killed 129 people.
The threat level in the entire territory of Belgium remained at the previous stage as “serious”.
“The situation analysis has revealed a serious and immediate threat, which requires special security measures and detailed instructions for the population “, – says the statement of the Belgian Centre for threat analysis (OCAM).
According to the Belgian Le Soir, after improving security threats Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel has announced the introduction of Brussels a number of operational measures, including reducing the number of major events held; strengthening transport security, particularly in the subway; increasing the number of police and military personnel – mainly in the capital, as well as the opening of a “hotline” (1771) to the public, where people could call in case of an emergency.
Metro does not work, concerts are canceled
The Belgian authorities advised city residents not to visit crowded places, including shopping malls, concerts, train stations and airports. Organizers also been advised to cancel all the major events, including concerts and football matches.
Metro Brussels stopped – pre until Sunday.
Le Soir reported that on Saturday were evacuated Visitors of the sports center and swimming pool in the Brussels district of Etterbeek. Also, there were reports on the abolition of a rock concert of French singer Johnny Hallyday in the concert hall of the Palais 12.
The streets are patrolled by armed police in Brussels. At the entrance of the big hotels are armed soldiers in camouflage uniforms.
Despite the warnings of the authorities, however, in the Royal Palace of Brussels is full of people, writes correspondent Bi-bi-si James Reynolds in “Twitter”: they all want to admire the unique Panoramic view from the observation deck.
At a specially convened press conference, Prime Minister Charles Michel said that the decision to raise the level of terrorist threat made on the basis of specific information about the risk of such an attack. He also added that the government re-evaluate the situation on Sunday afternoon.
European correspondent Bi-bi-si Gavin Lee brings in his “Twitter” quotation from the Belgian Prime Minister, who said that the authorities are afraid that “a few people with the weapon + explosives can arrange the attack, perhaps even in several places”.
The Belgian law authorities are still looking for Abdeslama Salah, a key suspect in the case of the Paris attack, which occurred a week ago that killed 130 people.
As suggested by consequence, he may be on Belgian territory. The Belgian authorities brought the three men accused of involvement in the Paris attacks, responsibility for which has taken the extremist group “Islamic State”.
Note investigation appeared focused on Belgium, and particularly in Brussels, after it was discovered, that several members of the Paris attacks originating from the area of Molenbeek in Brussels.
However, the Minister of Internal Affairs of Belgium, Jean Zhambon said that the situation “is serious, but under control”.
Paris fears the contamination of drinking water
Meanwhile, according to the French newspaper Aujourd ‘hui en France, the state company Eau de Paris, dedicated to the water supply of the French capital, to strengthen control over its six vessels and increased the level of chlorination, fearing a possible chemical or biological threats.
“The water is always chlorinated for reasons of public health, However, we increased the dose, – the newspaper quoted the president of Eau de Paris Celia Bloel. – When the chlorine level falls, it means that there was a biological pollution “.
On the eve of the UN Security Council unanimously adopted the paid France a resolution urging countries to redouble their efforts to prevent and suppress attacks by extremist groups.
On Monday, French President Francois Hollande will meet in Paris with British Prime Minister David Cameron to discuss measures to combat terrorism and evaluation of the Syrian crisis.
During the next week, Hollande will meet with US President Barack Obama, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
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