Suspected plotter of Paris, Brussels attacks identified

PARIS (AA) - A Belgian national of Moroccan origin -- currently fighting in Syria -- has been identified by investigators as one of the plotters of the Paris and Brussels attacks, reported local French media on Tuesday.

Oussama Atar, a 32-year-old suspect in the Brussels attacks thought to be a member of terrorist group Daesh, has now been linked to the Paris attacks, reported daily Le Monde quoting sources close to the investigation.

His nickname, Abou Ahmad, has been mentioned several times in both Belgian and French investigations.

“Behind this nickname hides the only identified coordinator based in Syria who has left traces of his involvement in the wave of attacks,” reported Le Monde.

French weekly L'Express, quoting sources saying that it was not 100 percent certain that Atar was the man who gave the orders for the Paris and Brussels attacks, but "it was one of the leads being pursued".

The weekly’s source described Atar "as a coordinator rather than a commander" who provided logistical support and money from his base in Syria.

At least 130 people were killed and hundreds were injured after a coordinated armed attack in the French capital on November 13, 2015.

On March 22, 2016, a suicide attack was carried out at Zaventem Airport and Maelbeek metro station in Brussels, killing 32 people and wounding 270 others. Daesh claimed responsibility for both attacks.