Seven Arrested in Belgium on Suspicion of Terrorism

On Thursday, Belgium's federal police conducted 14 searches and arrested seven individuals on suspicion of participating in terrorist group activities, financing terrorism, and preparing for terrorism, according to RTBF television.

The operations took place in several cities across Belgium, including Antwerp, Ghent, Liège, and Kortrijk.

RTBF reminded that following the October 16, 2023, terrorist attack on Swedish football fans in Brussels, the country remains at a third (serious) level of the four-point terrorism threat scale. Authorities believe this level will not be lowered until the end of summer for several reasons, including the hosting of major sporting events.

The television channel, citing its sources, noted that the date of the police anti-terror operation was partially chosen due to the upcoming Olympic Games opening in Paris on Friday. "Security services were not prepared to take risks," the statement said.

At the same time, the same sources reported that there is no evidence of the suspects’ intention to conduct terrorist activities specifically against the summer Olympic Games. "Their specific objectives have not yet been determined," noted the federal prosecutor's office, which added that no further information would be provided in the interest of the investigation.

Additionally, RTBF reported that arrests were also made in other European countries due to "potential Islamist threats."