Brussels metro / © AFP Archives
The Brussels metro system is under heightened security after bomb threats were made in Russian in an email sent to the European Commission.
Representatives of the European Commission contacted police on Tuesday after receiving an email written in Russian warning of an attack planned for Wednesday, March 8. The threat is not very credible given the source, but is nonetheless being taken “very seriously” by the authorities.
An investigation was opened by the Brussels public prosecutor's office, while the Crisis Center is monitoring the situation and the Belgian federal railway police carried out checks in the metro during the night. Patrols have also been reinforced.
According to Belgian daily Le Soir, the email made a specific threat that the Brussels metro would face an attack between the Yser and Rogier stations. Although no evidence has been found, authorities remain on high alert.
The US Embassy in Belgium issued its own security alert, calling on US citizens in Brussels to take extra precautions.
© US Embassy in Belgium