US warns of imminent terror attack TODAY on Brussels metro system after email threats written in Russian
THE US government today issued an urgent warning of an imminent terror attack targeting metro trains in Brussels.
The security alert was sent by embassy staff to US nationals in Belgium and said police fear an attack today.
It warned: “Police have heightened security in response to a threat of a possible metro attack to be conducted today, March 8.
“Continue to be aware of your surroundings and use caution when traveling in and around Brussels.”
The embassy warned US citizens to “avoid crowds”, “keep a low profile” and “monitor local media for updates”.
Police and security services in the Belgian capital were reported to be responding to a direct threat to attack the underground train network.
Two emails sent to the European Commission – written in Russian – threatened “explosions” on line 2 and line 6, reports the Brussels Times.
Belgium’s National Crisis Centre and police launched an emergency response.
Officers carried out a “sweeping operation” with sniffer dogs checking the entire system overnight, reports VRT News.
All stations remained open this morning.
Le Soir reports the emails came from a man who twice contacted the European Commission, on February 16 and again on March 3.
His second message warned in Russian: “In light of the EU’s continued aggressive policies I hereby warn you of major terrorist attacks on EU territory.”
He also threatened the “elimination” of “LGBT and other minorities, as well as attacks on heads of state.
And he added: “On March 8, the metro in Brussels will be blown up between Yser and Rogier.”
Commission staff passed the emails to police yesterday, according to Le Soir.
Authorities took the threat “very seriously” even though it was rated as not credible.
The federal police said: “We received an email threatening an attack against one of the Brussels metro lines.
“It wasn’t sent directly to us, but the addressee forwarded the email to us.
“We took the threat extremely seriously and carried out a full sweeping.
“Nothing untoward was found. Our services remain vigilant today.”
Brussels prosecutors opened an investigation to find the author of the threats.
Willemien Baert of the prosecutor’s office said: “The chance of an attack really taking place is not thought to be very likely.”
And the transport operator said on Twitter: “Analysis by the security services reveals that the threat to the Brussels metro is unlikely.
“As a precaution police are extra vigilant. Extra measures are not required at the minute.”