Belgian troops ‘neutralize’ suspicious bag at Turkish centre

BRUSSELS – Belgian authorities summoned soldiers to examine the contents of a package left outside the offices of the Turkish Federation in Brussels, amid fears it might have been a bomb.

Brussels prosecutor’s office spokeswoman Ine Van Wymersch said an army team was called in Friday and “they neutralized” the package.

Police are now testing samples taken from bag for explosive material, but Van Wymersch said it was probably meant “to scare people rather than someone who has actually made a bomb.”

She said the shoebox-sized container in a shopping bag was found by a member of the Turkish Federation in Brussels’ Schaerbeek neighbourhood.

Belgian authorities have been on high alert since suicide attackers killed 32 people at the Brussels airport and subway in March.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community? Create a free account to comment on stories, ask questions, and join meaningful discussions on our new site.

Leave a Reply

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.