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Brussels attacks: New suspect arrested on suspicion of 'terrorist murders' in Isis massacre

He is one of several suspects in custody linked to the bombings that killed 32 people

Lizzie Dearden
Friday 10 June 2016 13:32 BST
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A Belgian soldier stands guard outside the partially reopened departure hall of Zaventem international airport near Brussels, Belgium
A Belgian soldier stands guard outside the partially reopened departure hall of Zaventem international airport near Brussels, Belgium (Reuters)

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A new suspect has been arrested on accusations of "terrorist murders" during Isis's Brussels attacks as security services continue attempts to root out a European network of jihadists.

The man, named as 31-year-old Ali E H A by Belgium's federal prosecutor, was detained during a raid on a home in the suburb of Schaerbeek - the district where the three bombers prepared for their attack on 22 March.

He has been arrested on suspicion of participation in the activities of a terrorist group, terrorist murders and attempted terrorist murders.

Belgians commemorate attack victims

Authorities did not stipulate whether he was as a perpetrator or accomplice in the bombings at Brussels Airport and Maelbeek Metro station and said no further information would be given.

Two men, Ibrahim el-Bakraoui and Najim Laachraoui, killed themselves and 16 other people in the airport’s departures hall before el-Bakraoui’s brother, Khalid, blew himself up on an underground train, killing 16 more.

Investigators are continuing the hunt for possible accomplices in the atrocity, as well as links to Isis supporters elsewhere in Europe and the cell that carried out the Paris attacks in November.

Mohamed Abrini, the “man in the hat” who fled Brussels Airport after his suitcase bomb failed to detonate, is accused of involvement in both plots.

He is currently in Belgian custody but could soon be extradited to France for questioning.

The 31-year-old Belgian, of Moroccan descent, was caught on camera with fellow suspect Salah Abdeslam two days before the Paris attacks and went into hiding until the bombings in the Belgian capital.

They are believed to be the only surviving direct perpetrators of both attacks but several suspects have been detained on accusations of providing logistical support.

Mohamed Bakkali, 29, allegedly rented the Brussels apartment were suicide vests were manufactured, while Swedish jihadist Osama Krayem is also in custody accused of buying suitcases for the Brussels bombers and helping prepare for the Paris attacks.

Abid Aberkan, a relative of Abdeslam, a Ali O, 31, Abdoullah C, 30, Lazez Abraimi, 39, Bilal EM, 27, Hervé BM, 31, Ibrahim F, 27 and Smail F, 31, have also been detained in connection with the plots.

Three other men - Aboubaker O, Yassine A and Mohamed B, remain in custody as part of a separate terror investigation.

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