An army may be deployed on the streets of the Belgian capital Brussels by the end of this year. This was stated in an interview with the newspaper Le Soir by the country's Defense Minister Theo Franken.
This is possible in order to ensure security, he noted.
"I am always open to improving security in Brussels. The situation has become dramatic. Both in terms of security, as well as in political and social terms. Contrary to what can be heard, I am very concerned about the deterioration of the state of our capital," Franken said, quoted by RIA Novosti.
According to the minister, security issues on the streets are the responsibility of the police, not the military, but the involvement of the army is also possible.
"Nevertheless, when the Minister of the Interior (Bernard) Kenten appeals to me with a request, it becomes the task of the Ministry of Defense, which must protect the nation. Is it possible to put the military on the streets before the end of the year? I didn't say yes, but I didn't say no either, contrary to what might have been said in The media," Franken added.
As EADaily reported, three young men were detained in Belgium on suspicion of planning a terrorist attack using drones. This was reported by a number of Belgian media.
"Some details indicate that the suspects intended to carry out a terrorist attack inspired by jihadism against political figures," said Federal prosecutor Anne Fransen.