Belgium smashes terror gang planning attack

Belgian police claimed today they have smashed what they called a “terrorist cell” that apparently was preparing an attack on another country.

Fifteen people, mainly of Arab and North African origin, were arrested in raids in Brussels and Antwerp, said Daniel Bernard, a federal prosecutor.

The raids took place overnight and involved 200 officers, he said.

The attack was being directed from Italy and the 15 arrested in Belgium were to carry it out, said Bernard. He added it was to take place in “a foreign country,” but added officials were unclear which.

Glenn Audenaert of Belgium’s federal police force said: “A number of people live in our community with the clear and present goal of perpetrating terrorist attacks.”

Police found suspicious documents, books and videotapes, but no weapons or explosives, he said.

Despite the lack of weapons, Bernard said evidence gained from telephone wiretaps and other “advanced techniques” convinced them those arrested were planning an attack.

He said the investigators were tipped off by Italian authorities.

All of those picked up had foreign passports, and most were Palestinian, Jordanian, Moroccan and Egyptian, he said.

He did not give more exact details. Other foreigners found with those who have been arrested were apparently not part of the cell and face deportation, he added.

The 15 now being held were to appear before an investigating magistrate, who will decide on their continued detention.