12 arrested in Belgian anti-terror operation

By Ata Ufuk Seker

BRUSSELS (AA) - Police in Belgium have raided dozens of properties and arrested 12 terrorism suspects, the federal prosecutor’s office said Saturday.

The prosecutor's office said security forces raided about 40 houses and 152 garages across the country last night and Saturday morning to prevent an attack.

The police detained 40 suspects during the anti-terror operation. Twelve people who were allegedly planning a terror attack were arrested after interrogation.

The prosecutor's office also said that no arms or explosives were found in the raids.

Moreover, federal prosecutors said Friday that they had arrested a Belgian national linked with the Brussels attacks this March.

The suspect was identified as Youssef E.A., 30, accused of aiding and abetting the terrorist organization that carried out the Brussels attacks.

At least 35 people were killed and 100 injured in multiple Daesh-claimed explosions in Brussels on March 22. The attacks targeted the capital’s Zaventem airport and Maalbeek subway station.

*Anadolu Agency correspondent Ilker Girit contributed to this story from Istanbul.