14 alleged Islamic extremists detained in Belgium

[David]

AP


BRUSSELS, Belgium – Authorities arrested 14 suspected Islamic extremists Thursday with links to the al-Qaida terror network after raids in the capital and an eastern city, Belgian police said.

Police searched 16 locations in Brussels and one in the eastern city Liege overnight, confiscating computers, data storage equipment and a pistol.

"Recent information from the investigation also showed that one person was possibly planning a suicide attack," federal prosecutor Johan Delmulle told reporters.

He said it was unclear whether the attack would have targeted Belgium or another country.

The suspects had traveled to Afghanistan and Pakistan, but it was not immediately clear if they intended to take part in fighting in the region or wanted to obtain training in special camps, police said.