On the eve of the Olympics opening ceremony in Paris, Belgium conducted a series of raids resulting in the detention of seven individuals for questioning regarding suspected terrorist activities. The Belgian Federal prosecutor's office stated that the detainees, apprehended in 14 raids across the country, are believed to be involved in terrorist group activities, financing terrorism, and planning a terrorist attack. The specific objectives of the suspects have not yet been identified by investigators.
French Interior Minister expressed gratitude towards Belgium for their efforts in safeguarding against potential threats, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in combating terrorism. The raids did not lead to any arrests in France, and authorities are awaiting further information on the operation.
As part of the security measures for the Olympics, approximately 1,800 foreign police officers from 44 countries, including Belgium, have arrived to support the 250,000 French police and gendarme officers responsible for ensuring safety during the Games. The heightened security is particularly crucial given the large number of athletes and spectators expected in Paris.
The raids, conducted in cities such as Antwerp, Brussels, Ghent, and Liège, are indicative of Belgium's ongoing efforts to address extremist threats following previous attacks in the country. Notably, Belgium experienced a significant terrorist incident in 2016, resulting in 32 fatalities in attacks at the Brussels airport and a subway station.
In a separate development, two Russian nationals were arrested in northern Germany on charges of supporting a foreign terror organization and violating export laws by allegedly collecting donations for the Islamic State group. The arrests are linked to activities aimed at fundraising for the group in Germany and other European countries.
While there is no immediate indication of a connection between the Belgian raids and the arrests in Germany, these incidents underscore the continued vigilance and collaborative efforts required to address the persistent threat of terrorism across Europe.
