Belgium's VRT broadcaster is reporting that police have begun a search of Aarlen prison for weapons and explosives in connection with an increased terrorism threat in the country.
On Friday, 14 people were arrested on suspicion of planning to free a convicted terrorist from Aarlen prison. In 2004, Nizar Trebelsi was sentenced to 10 years in prison for plotting to attack a military base in Belgium thought to house US nuclear missiles. Trebelsi, a Tunisian national, was transferred from the Aarlen detention facility to a jail in Nijvel at the end of November.
On Saturday, Belgian federal prosecutors freed the 14 suspected Islamic extremists, saying there was insufficient evidence to justify their continued detention.
The Belgian authorities have raised the terrorism alert to four, the highest since US President George W Bush visited the country in 2005. A number of measures have been implemented including increased police surveillance at airports, bus, train and metro stations.
Police patrols have also been stepped up at Christmas markets and shopping districts. The heightened security measures will remain in effect until the start of the new year. - Source: By Radio Netherlands
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