Security officials and Belgian army deployed in Brussels continue to be on alert while the place remains on complete lockdown Saturday evening after possible terrorist attacks.
Mirror reports that Brussels, the capital of Belgium, has received reports stating that the city was "facing the threat of a bomb and gun attack similar to that seen on the streets of Paris a week ago."
Moreover, the Guardian reports that an official statement has been released. It said, "Analysis shows a serious and imminent threat that requires taking specific security measures as well as specific recommendations for the public."
As a response to the threat, Belgium's national crisis center has raised the terrorism alert for the entire Brussels region to Level 4. Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel said the call to raise the alerts was made based on a "quite precise information" of a possible attack. "Several individuals with arms and explosives could launch an attack ... perhaps even in several places," the Prime Minister said.
The threat was brought about by fears that that Salah Abdeslam, the 26-year-old French man believed to be one of the ringleaders of the Paris attacks is currently hiding in Brussels. Abdeslam has been reported to have reached out to friends through Skype and asked for help in returning to Syria.
However, Michael is urging the public to stay calm as the authorities have already taken the necessary measures, including the closing of malls, metro system, shopping centers, and other public places. On Saturday, the Prime Minsters has all the restaurants closed as well.
On the other hand, the US European Command has restricted US military personnel, Pentagon employees, contractors, and command-sponsored family members and dependents to travel to Brussels for the next 72 hours. The US command center has also instructed that "for those already in Brussels, everyone is to shelter in place and remain at home".
As of present, heavily armed soldiers continue to patrol the streets.
