Belgium: Police arrest 12 suspected of planning new attack

Twelve people suspected of planning new attacks were arrested across Belgium overnight after police carried out about 40 house searches in the country, the federal prosecutor's office said in a statement on Saturday.

"In connection with a criminal investigation concerning terrorism... 40 persons were taken for questioning. Twelve among them were arrested. The investigating judge will decide on their possible detention later today," the statement said.

Europe is on high alert as the Euro 2016 soccer tournament is under way in neighbouring France. Islamist suicide bombers killed 32 people in Brussels in March following attacks in Paris in November in which 130 people died.

Investigators have confirmed links between the perpetrators, some of whom were based in Belgium.

Flemish public broadcaster VTM said the people arrested overnight were suspected of planning an attack in Brussels this weekend during one of Belgium's soccer matches in the Euros.

Belgian police on Wednesday received an anti-terror alert warning that a group of Islamic State fighters recently left Syria en route for Europe planning attacks in Belgium and France, security officials said.

On Friday police arrested and detained a man named as Youssef E.A, a Belgian national, on suspicion of taking part in terrorist activities in connection with the Brussels attacks.

Newsletter Stay up to date with Christian Today
related articles
Pope Francis: Christianity and Islam must integrate in Europe

Pope Francis: Christianity and Islam must integrate in Europe

We should all be worried about Government\'s plan to tackle \'extremism\'
We should all be worried about Government's plan to tackle 'extremism'

We should all be worried about Government's plan to tackle 'extremism'

Belgium: More than 100 churches at risk of closure under archbishop\'s plan
Belgium: More than 100 churches at risk of closure under archbishop's plan

Belgium: More than 100 churches at risk of closure under archbishop's plan

News
Mullally denounces misuse of religion following Tommy Robinson rally
Mullally denounces misuse of religion following Tommy Robinson rally

Both Mullally and Robinson say they want a united society.

In many English cities, cathedrals play a major role
In many English cities, cathedrals play a major role

It’s impossible to imagine St Albans without its cathedral.

England’s cathedrals remain vital civic and spiritual ‘beacons’ despite mounting pressures – report
England’s cathedrals remain vital civic and spiritual ‘beacons’ despite mounting pressures – report

A new report from Theos found that cathedrals continue to play a uniquely important role in national life despite increasing secularisation and growing financial pressures. 

Thousands attend 'March for Jesus' in Belfast
Thousands attend 'March for Jesus' in Belfast

"The atmosphere was full of joy, faith and the presence of God," said organisers.