Terror threat in Europe: Belgium put on high alert following deaths of two Islamic extremists

Belgium has raised its terror threat level to three – the second highest – after two suspected Islamic extremists were killed in an anti-terror raid yesterday evening.

 

The men were shot dead in the eastern town of Viviers when they opened fire on police with automatic weapons. According to officials, they had recently returned from Syria and were planning attacks on Belgian police. A third suspect, who was wounded in the attack, has been arrested. 

 

According to local media, a search following the raid revealed four Kalashnikovs, bomb-making equipment and police clothing. Security forces are now stationed in the area and overnight searches also took place in the Brussels area. 

 

The rise in the terror threat level was announced by prosecutor Eric Van Der Sypt. He said: "The suspects immediately and for several minutes opened fire with military weaponry and handguns on the special units of the federal police before they were neutralised." 

 

Belgian authorities are expected to provide more details at a briefing later today.