Belgian threat analysis unit dismisses travel alert issued by U.S.

Belgium's Coordination Unit for Threat Analysis (OCAD), the government organ responsible for analysing terror threats, said on Wednesday that the country was not faced with any concrete threat in the coming holiday season, in response to a travel alert for Europe issued by the U.S. State Department.

The OCAD told the Flemish broadcaster VRT that despite the current terror alert level remaining at 3 (maximum 4), there were no specific or imminent threats targeting winter festivals and outdoor markets set to kick off in the coming days.

Experts at the OCAD added that they would not issue any specific security guidelines for these events.

Nonetheless, most cities will adopt extra security measures, such as installing security cameras and stepping up police presence in outdoor space, according to VRT.

The cabinet of the Belgian Interior Minister, who jointly oversees the OCAD, also confirmed to the Francophone newspaper Le Soir that there was no indication of a new threat.

"We are indeed in a sensitive period in general, but to date, there is no concrete information about a threat," the cabinet was quoted as saying.

The travel alert was issued on Tuesday after a terrorist plot linked to the Islamic State was thwarted in France, suggesting that American tourists in European countries avoid mass events in the coming weeks.

The alert specifically references outdoor markets, popular throughout Europe during the Christmas season, as potential terrorist targets. Endit