Europe

Brussels Bombers Originally Planned More Attacks In Paris

Prosecutors say the Brussels attackers were originally targeting Paris in a second wave of attacks.

Brussels Bombers Originally Planned More Attacks In Paris
Getty Images / Sylvain Lefevre
Article by Melissa Prax
SMS
April 10, 2016

Belgian prosecutors say the terrorists behind the Brussels attacks in March were originally planning more attacks in Paris. 

This comes a day after Belgian authorities arrested six suspects in the attacks. Among those suspects was Mohamed Abrini, or the "man in the hat," who was captured on surveillance video next to the two suicide bombers.

Investigators say Abrini admitted the group was worried about a narrowing police investigation and then quickly struck in Brussels. 

Officials also believe the Brussels attacks were motivated in part by revenge, as the bombings came days after the arrest of Salah Abdeslam — one of the main suspects behind November's Paris attacks.

The arrested suspects are thought to be behind both the Brussels attacks that killed at least 32 and the Paris attacks that killed at least 130. On Saturday, four of the suspects, including Abrini, were charged with terrorist activities. 

This video includes clips from VTM and images from Getty Images, Belgian Federal Police and General Directorate Crisis Centre in Brussels.