FX.co ★ Brussels remains on high alert

Brussels faces its third day of a major security lockdown as police arrested 16 people last night in Belgium. Today, the goal of the police is to arrest chief suspect Salah Abdeslam, who is believed to have carried out the terrorist atrocities in Paris.

It is supposed that the terrorist is in Brussels. Besides, the country’s authorities are sure that Salah Abdeslam is equipped with a suicide belt. However, last night, police failed to arrest the chief target.

Authorities in Brussels extended the city’s highest-level terror alert into next week as they maintained their warning Islamic State terrorists plan to attack highly populated areas. The Belgian government advices people to avoid public gatherings.

The government said that it will extend the highest alert level for Brussels into the working week.

On Monday, the central square, known as the Grand Place, was all but deserted. Soldiers patrolled an area normally thronged with shoppers, and armored personnel carriers rolled over cobblestone streets usually choked with cars.

Metro network and other underground stations are still closed. Shopping malls, cafes, and other public places are deserted as people heed government advice to avoid large public gatherings.

November 23rd, schools, museums, and government offices were closed.

The Belgian government supposes that terrorists are planning to organize several attacks. One of the officials said that things are very quiet and a bit surreal in Brussels.