Belgium, France Alerted to ‘Imminent’ Terrorist Attacks

A note warned the Belgian police that jihadists left Syria ten days ago to carry out attacks in France and Belgium.

Belgian army soldiers patrols in the center of Brussels after the attack on Zaventem airport. (Photo: AP)

A note received in several Belgian police stations alerted France and Belgium of “imminent” terrorist attacks, according to reports in the Belgian media.

It warned that some jihadists left Syria ten days ago to reach Europe via Turkey and Greece to carry out attacks in France and Belgium.

The memorandum read:

They are likely to separate into two groups, one for Belgium and one for France, to commit attacks in different places.

Potential targets in Belgium included a shopping centre, a fast-food restaurant and a police station.

It mentioned no specific targets in France, which is hosting the Euro 2016 soccer championships in 10 stadiums across the country until 10 July. Some 2.5 million spectators are expected to watch the 51 matches.

The implications of the note on safety measures for the tournament are not yet clear.

The alert came two days after an attacker who pledged allegiance to the Islamic State killed a French police commander and his partner at their home outside Paris.