Terrorists set their sights on Europe – raids conducted in Belgium

#CharlieHebdo #antiterrorraids #Belgium Following the terror attacks in Paris in the offices of Charlie Hebdo, Europe has gone on high alert and have conducted anti-terror raids and arrests of suspected Islamist militants. Reports indicate arrests of more than 20 people in Belgium, France and Germany. As a result, Belgium has now joined France in deploying troops alongside police and security has been tightened in several countries. Last week’s attack in Paris had left 17 people dead.
Obviously, the concerns if security authorities have increased many fold since many young Europeans who had gone to join the jihadists in Syria, are returning back home. They had gone to fight with Middle East militants and would have acquired various types of experience and knowledge connected to terror activities.
It seems in Belgium, five people were charged with "participating in the activities of a terrorist group" – raids had been conducted and two suspects have died. Moreover, guns, munitions and explosives, apart from police uniforms and a large amount of money have been seized by the police during the operation.
Preliminary investigations have revealed that the people had the intention to kill several policemen in the street and at police stations. A total of thirteen people were arrested but only five would be prosecuted. Belgium would seek the extradition of two suspects held in France.
Various measures announced by the Belgian government to counter the terrorist threats include making travelling abroad for terrorist activities a crime.
In Paris, twelve suspects are being held by police in connection to the attacks in which 17 persons died. The arrested persons are being interrogated about their possible logistical support they might have given to the three gunmen – support like weapons or vehicles.