Following a large-scale anti-terror operation by Belgian police on Thursday evening, January 25, a state of heightened security has been established in the country. According to the French news agency AFP, a spokesperson for the Belgian prosecutor's office stated that during this operation, in addition to two Islamist individuals who were killed, 13 others were arrested. Another 14 suspects were arrested in Germany and France. The Belgian prosecutor's office indicated that the terrorists' aim was to kill police officers in public places and police stations. Describing these arrests as 'significant,' the prosecutor's office stated that 'not only has the core of the terror group been destroyed, but also their supporting network.' Eric Van Der Sypt, a spokesperson for the Belgian prosecutor's office, mentioned that the terrorists were 'only a few hours' away from executing their operation. Security forces discovered Kalashnikov rifles, explosive munitions, communication devices, and police uniforms in a jihadist hideout in Verviers, which, according to the prosecutor's office, were intended for use in the operation. The Associated Press also reported that France and Germany arrested 14 suspects linked to the 'Islamic State' on Friday. A metro station in Paris, the capital of France, was evacuated due to a suspected terrorist threat. The Belgian police described the operation, which resulted in the killing of two individuals and the arrest of another in Verviers, as the largest anti-terror operation in the country's history. This operation occurred following recent attacks in Paris that resulted in the deaths of several cartoonists and staff members of the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo, police, and French citizens. The three perpetrators of these attacks were also killed. In this context, France is sending an aircraft carrier to the Middle East to combat the 'Islamic Caliphate.'
Arrest of 27 Suspects Linked to 'Islamic State' in Europe
Belgian police conducted a significant anti-terror operation, resulting in the arrest of 27 suspects linked to the Islamic State across Belgium, Germany, and France. The operation was prompted by recent terrorist attacks in Paris, highlighting ongoing security concerns in Europe. This incident underscores the persistent threat of terrorism in the region and the collaborative efforts of European nations to combat it.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
Belgian police conducted a major anti-terror operation, arresting 27 suspects linked to the Islamic State across Belgium, Germany, and France. The operation aimed to prevent planned attacks on police officers.
- 27 suspects were arrested in Belgium, Germany, and France.
- The operation was described as the largest anti-terror effort in Belgium's history.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Europe has been on high alert following several high-profile terrorist attacks, including the Charlie Hebdo incident in Paris. This operation is part of broader efforts to dismantle terrorist networks.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →
Translation confidence: 85%