Blast fan zone
yesterday after an unattended case was reported near a synagogue in the city’s Saint Gilles district. The area was sealed off and an army disposal team called in.
Yesterday’s swoops came after a terror warning was issued last week by police that a squad of Islamic State fighters were heading from Syria to France and Belgium to carry out an “imminent” attack. It is just three months since Islamist bombers killed 32 people in suicide bombings at Brussels airport and an underground station. Those attacks followed the Paris carnage last November in which Islamic extremists killed 130 people.
Belgium’s security council was holding an emergency meeting yesterday.
The federal prosecutor’s office said: “In connection with a criminal investigation concerning terrorism, 40 persons were taken for questioning. Twelve among them were arrested.
“The investigatory results necessitated an immediate intervention.”
Officials said no weapons or explosives were found during the overnight searches, which also involved 152 garage lock-ups.
Police said homes and garages were searched in 16 municipalities, mostly in and around Brussels.
The terror scare was the latest security issue to blight Euro 2016 after serious trouble marred England’s opening match against Russia in Marseille.
Russia have been handed a suspended disqualification from the tournament over violence at the end of the game.
UEFA yesterday opened disciplinary proceedings against the Croatian Football Federation. It came after fans fought in the stadium, threw lit flares on to the pitch and were accused of singing fascist songs during the 2- 2 draw with the Czech Republic in Saint-Etienne on Friday.
Croatia boss Ante Cacic has called for tough punishments for the fans who caused the trouble.
Disciplinary proceedings have also been opened against Turkey after flares went off following their 3-0 defeat to Spain in Nice on Friday.