Belgium stages dozens of anti-terror raids, 12 held

Brussels: Dozens of anti-terror raids were carried out across Belgium overnight in a case that needed "an immediate intervention", and 12 people have been held, federal prosecutors said today.

The raids took place in 16 communes in Brussels, Flanders and Wallonia and "passed off without incident," they said in a statement, adding that "until now no arms or explosives were found."

"Forty persons were taken in for questioning. Twelve among them were arrested. The investigating judge will decide on their possible detention later today," it said.

"152 garage lockups were searched as well," it said, adding: "Currently no further information can be given concerning the seized items or the identities of the arrested persons."