BRUSSELS (Sputnik) – Reports emerged this week that at least four terrorists have made their way to Belgium through Turkey and Libya posing as asylum seekers, reigniting fears of attacks similar to the November 13 mass shootings and suicide bombings in Paris.
"Francken denied information in English language dailies that suggested the presence of possible terrorist candidates at asylum seeker reception centers," the RTBF broadcaster recounted the official speaking before the Belgian lower house of parliament committee hearing.
The secretary detailed measures to monitor potential national security threats, including an interdepartmental task force working to detect extremists among migrants seeking asylum in Belgium created last week.
"For each foreign candidate seeking asylum, who are known for acts of radicalism, we look at each case and decide what to do," Francken explained. "This goes for the refusal or withdrawal of a residence permit and repatriation."
Further measures outlined by the official include screening by military and civilian intelligence services, as well as the federal police, subject to arrests or deportation, which he said were in effect since September.
Schools and public transportation reopened amid heavy military presence in Brussels on Wednesday, as the Belgian capital continues to operate under an elevated terror threat alert. Search operations are underway for approximately 10 potential suicide bombers or attackers armed with heavy weapons capable of launching similar attacks to those in the French capital, Belgian officials said.
