Two Belgians Suspected of Plotting a Terror Attack on New Year's Arrested, Officials say

By Cheri Cheng - 29 Dec '15 13:48PM

Two Belgians have been arrested under suspicion of plotting to attack "emblematic sites" throughout nation's capital during the New Year's festivities, the Belgian federal prosecutor's office revealed on Tuesday.

The prosecutor's office added that the two male suspects are not linked to the Nov. 13 attacks on Paris that killed 130 people and injured hundreds more.

CNN cited a senior Belgian counterterrorism official, who stated that the terror plot appeared to be inspired by the terrorism group known as the Islamic State, which also goes by ISIS or ISIL. It was not, however, directed by the group, who had claimed responsibility for the Paris attacks.

The New York Times cited RTBF French-language television, which reported that the attacks were being prepared in "same style as those perpetrated in Paris." The information was based from internal material from the country's state security services.

The arrest came after investigators have been carrying out numerous searches in Brussels as well as the surrounding city of Liege and the province of Flemish Brabant on Sunday and Monday. During these raids, the investigators had confiscated computer equipment, training uniforms that appear to be military type, and ISIS propaganda. There were no guns or explosives found at these sites.

The spokesman for the Belgian Government's Crisis Center, Benoit Ramacker, stated that police and soldiers have been advised to be extra cautious for their own safety.

The identities of the two men have not been revealed. One was arrested for acting as the leader of the plots. He was also actively recruiting members to help carry out the plans. The other man was arrested as a main actor of the terrorist group's activities.

Four suspects were also brought in for questioning but have been released.

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