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Another Terror Suspect Arrested in Brussels Attacks

Abrini is thought to have participated in both the attacks in Paris in November and the violence in Brussels, which saw 32 people killed in suicide attacks at Zaventem Airport and Maalbeek metro station.

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Belgian federal prosecutors said in a statement that the judge ruled on Thursday that a European arrest warrant issued for Mohamed Abrini by French judicial authorities is enforceable.

La Derniere Heure quoted sources as saying the man was suspected of playing a role in the hideouts of those who carried out the attacks.

Belgian prosecutors say Abrini has told them that the original plan had been to target France but it was switched to Brussels when fellow Paris attack suspect Salah Abdeslam was arrested in the Belgian capital on 18 March.

It added: “Currently, no further information will be given in the interest of the investigation”.

The other suspect to be extradited, 29-year-old Mohamed Bakkali, is believed to have rented the Brussels apartment where the suicide vests used in the Paris attacks were assembled.

“Islamic State” jihadis have claimed responsibility for both tragedies. Abdeslam’s brother Brahim blew himself up during the Paris massacre.

One of the suicide bombers Najim Laachraoui, was arrested in the city’s Anderlecht district a day after the incident.

Belgium is still recovering from the impact of the worst terror attacks in its history.

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The man, identified only as Ali E.H.A., aged 31, was detained during a house search in the Schaerbeek area of the capital on Thursday, the prosecutor’s office said.

Belgium approves extradition of a Paris attacks suspect to France