Belgium stages anti-terror raids, 12 held

Europe is on high security alert, with the Euro 2016 soccer tournament underway in neighbouring France, after Islamist suicide bombers killed 32 people in Brussels in March following attacks in Paris in November in which 130 people died. “In connection with a criminal investigation concerning terrorism, 40 persons were taken in to custody for questioning. 

Twelve among them were arrested. The investigating judge will decide on their possible detention,” the office said in a statement. Belgium’s federal prosecutor’s office said no weapons or explosives were found during the searches.

Public broadcaster RTBF said the country’s crisis centre on Friday placed several government ministers, including Prime Minister Charles Michel, under heightened protection.