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Belgian police intercepted a bus traveling from France on Thursday following a passenger's report of a conversation suggesting a possible terrorist attack, officials revealed. The bus, operated by Flixbus and traveling from Lille to Brussels, was halted in the town of Wetteren, near Ghent, according to a spokeswoman for the East Flanders prosecutors' office.
Three passengers were apprehended by the police, and authorities were set to question all individuals on board to assess the veracity of the reported conversation, the spokeswoman confirmed.
A spokesman for Justice Minister Paul Van Tigchelt explained that a passenger had overheard what was deemed a suspected "terrorist conversation" and promptly alerted the authorities. In response, the police stopped and thoroughly inspected the coach to ensure the safety of its occupants and assess the situation.
The federal prosecutors' office clarified that, as of the present moment, they are not treating the incident as a terrorist case. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities meticulously examining the circumstances surrounding the reported conversation to determine the appropriate course of action.
The incident highlights the heightened vigilance and swift response of Belgian law enforcement to potential security threats, particularly in the context of public transportation. Authorities remain committed to ensuring the safety of citizens and preventing any potential risks associated with security concerns.
