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1st LD Writethru: Belgian threat analysis unit dismisses travel alert issued by U.S.

Xinhua, November 24, 2016 Adjust font size:

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.

The police called upon the media not to contribute to promoting a culture of fear after local media La Derniere Heure affirmed it had information about a threat targeting the Brussels Christmas market.

"So far, there is no concrete information about a new terror threat. The OCAD confirmed there isn't any element supporting such a threat," the ministry of the interior said.

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.

The 16th Brussels Christmas market will follow the same security measures as last year with police patrols on the streets to secure the event. Endit