Belgium: armed soldiers will protect Brussels and Antwerp – Onet.pl

This is to strengthen the protection of some of the buildings, including the headquarters of embassies of some countries in Brussels, and Antwerp’s Jewish quarter – said today on television VRT Belgian Defence Minister Steven Vandeput .

Cabinet “decided to gradually mobilize the army to the number of approx. 300 soldiers. In particular, the soldiers will be deployed in Brussels and Antwerp (in the north of the country). They can also be deployed in Verviers (in the east) and in other places, “- reported in the press service of the Prime Minister of Communication Charles Michel.” The soldiers are armed and will protect some places. They will come as a reinforcement of police services “- added in a statement.

The Belgian government announced yesterday the rapid deployment of troops in some places, the day after the anti-terrorist operation in Verviers, which was aimed at a group of jihadists planning to carry out the national territory terrorist attacks on a large scale.

How informed the Belgian investigators, police were planning on Thursday searched around 10 apartments of people who recently returned to the country from Syria. However, from Verviers suspects opened fire to the officers, and the ensuing shootout, in which two alleged jihadists killed.

In view of the situation in some parts of the country raised the alert level of security.

As noted by AFP, mobilization of troops to maintain order and security in the cities, is the first such case in Belgium for 30 years, since the wave of bombings in the 80s, made by fighting the communists.

This measure, announced along with others in order to prevent radicalization and wyjazdom potential candidates for jihad to Syria and Iraq, is to apply for a month, with the possibility of renewal, and for so long, how long will the security alert level was “3″ in 4-point scale – AFP reported.

Mayor Antwerp immediately demanded the deployment of troops in my city, in which the Jewish community has 15 thousand. up to 20 thousand. people. This morning, the first armed soldiers appeared in the Jewish quarter of the city, is considered to be particularly vulnerable in the context of foiled attacks – VRT television reported.

During the five anti-terrorist operation of 13 people arrested in Belgium was accused of “participation in the activities of a terrorist group.” Three of those against whom allegations, was detained in police custody. Two were released conditionally, while others will not be charged.

(PG)

Belgium: armed soldiers will protect Brussels and Antwerp – Onet.pl