European counterterrorism agencies carried out anti-terror raids across Western Europe, rounding up dozens of suspects amid fears of attacks by IS jihadists.
According to CNN, as many as 20 sleeper cells of between 120 and 180 people could be ready to strike in France, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands, a Western intelligence source said.
The source said that an "imminent threat" to Belgium, and possibly to the Netherlands had been identified by the European Union and Middle East intelligence agencies.
The report quoted the source as saying that there was a tremendous amount of concern over sleeper cells in Europe.
The official said that it was believed that the Islamic State commanders had ordered Western jihadists to return to Europe to carry out attacks there in retaliation to air strikes against the terror group in Iraq and Syria.
The report further added that the authorities made 17 arrests related to the Belgium threat -- 13 in Belgium and four at two locations in France.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app