Belgium holds al-Qaida suspects

A group of 14 suspected Islamic extremists with links to al-Qaida were arrested in Belgium today.

Police searched 16 locations in Brussels and one in Liege overnight, confiscating computers, data storage equipment and a pistol.

“Recent information from the investigation also showed that one person was possibly planning a suicide attack,” federal prosecutor Johan Delmulle said.

He said it was unclear whether the attack would have targeted Belgium or another country.

The suspects had travelled to Afghanistan and Pakistan, but it was not immediately clear if they intended to take part in fighting in the region or wanted to obtain training in special camps, police said.