10 arrests in Paris, bomb threat closes train station

[webfact]

10 arrests in Paris, bomb threat closes train station
By ANGELA CHARLTON and RAF CASERT

PARIS (AP) — Paris police evacuated the Gare de l'Est train station Friday after a bomb threat, as authorities across Europe pressed on with efforts to prevent new violence after the worst terrorist attacks in decades.

The Paris prosecutor's office, meanwhile, said 10 people were arrested in anti-terrorism raids in the region, targeting people linked to a gunman who attacked a kosher supermarket and claimed ties to the Islamic State.

The developments, coming on the day that U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry arrived to "share a big hug with Paris," came a day after Belgian police killed two suspected terrorists in a firefight and arrested a third man.

A French police official said the Gare de l'Est station was closed "as a precaution." The official, who was not authorized to be publicly named, would not give further details. The station, one of several main stations in Paris, serving cities in eastern Paris and countries to the east.

In Berlin, police arrested two men Friday morning on suspicion of recruiting fighters for the so-called Islamic State group in Syria.

The Belgian raid on a former bakery was another palpable sign that terror had seeped deep into Europe's heartland as security forces struck against militants some of who may be returnees from Islamic holy war in Syria. Federal magistrate Eric Van der Sypt said returnees were an important part of the targeted searches.

After the gun smoke lifted, police continued with searches in Verviers and the greater Brussels area, seeking more clues in a weeks-long investigation that started well before the terrorism spree last week that led to 17 deaths in the Paris area. The Belgian operations had no apparent link to the terrorist acts committed in France.

And, unlike the Paris terrorists, who attacked the office of a satirical newspaper and a kosher grocery store, the suspects in Belgium were reportedly aiming at hard targets: police installations.

"They were on the verge of committing important terror attacks," Van der Sypt told a news conference in Brussels.

Belgian authorities had moved swiftly in the rustbelt town of Verviers Thursday to pre-empt what they called a major attack by as little as hours.

"As soon as I opened the window, you could smell the gunpowder," said neighbor Alexandre Massaux following a minutes-long firefight with automatic weapons and Kalashnikovs that was also punctuated by explosions.

"As soon as they thought special forces were there, they opened fire," federal magistrate Van der Sypt said.

Across Europe, anxiety has grown as the manhunt continues for potential accomplices of the three Paris terrorists, all of whom were shot dead by French police. Authorities in Belgium signaled they were ready for more trouble by raising the national terror alert level from 2 to 3, the second-highest level.

"It shows we have to be extremely careful," Van der Sypt said. The Verviers suspects "were extremely well-armed men" equipped with automatic weapons, he said. Some of the individuals "were in Syria and had come back," he added.

Authorities have previously said 300 Belgian residents have gone to fight with extremist Islamic formations in Syria; it is unclear how many have returned.

The suspects in Verviers opened fire on police when they closed in on them near the city's train station, the magistrate told reporters. Video posted online showed a dark view of a building amid blasts, gunshots and sirens, and smoke billowing up from a fire.

No police were wounded or killed in the clash, which occurred at the height of rush hour in a crowded neighborhood of this former industrial town of 56,000 about 80 miles (125 kilometers) southeast of the capital, Brussels.

Earlier Thursday, Belgian authorities said they were looking into possible links between a man they arrested in the southern city of Charleroi for illegal trade in weapons and Amedy Coulibaly, who killed four people in a Paris kosher market last week.

The man arrested in Belgium "claims that he wanted to buy a car from the wife of Coulibaly," Van der Sypt said. "At this moment this is the only link between what happened in Paris."

Several other countries are also involved in the hunt for possible accomplices to Coulibaly and the other gunmen in the French attacks, brothers Cherif and Said Kouachi.

The Kouachi brothers claimed allegiance to al-Qaida in Yemen, and Coulibaly to the Islamic State group.

In Spain, authorities said Coulibaly drove his common-law wife from France to Madrid on Dec. 31 and was with her until she took a Jan. 2 flight to Istanbul.

Spain's National Court said it was investigating what Coulibaly did in the country's capital with his wife, Hayat Boumeddiene, and a third person who wasn't identified but is suspected of helping Boumeddiene get from Turkey to Syria.

France is on edge since last week's attacks, which began at the satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo. The paper, repeatedly threatened for its caricatures of the Muslim Prophet Muhammad, buried several of its slain staff members Thursday even as it reprinted another weekly issue with Muhammad on its cover.

Defense officials said France came under an unprecedented cyber assault with 19,000 cyberattacks launched after the country's bloodiest terrorist attacks in decades, frustrating authorities as they try to thwart repeat violence.

The attacks, mostly relatively minor denial-of-service attacks, hit sites as varied as military regiments to pizza shops but none appeared to have caused serious damage.
___

Casert reported from Brussels. Associates Press writers David Rising in Berlin, John-Thor Dahlburg, Greg Keller, Jamey Keaten, Angela Charlton, Sylvie Corbet, Lori Hinnant, Matthew Lee and Nicolas Vaux-Montagny in Paris and Jorge Sainz in Madrid contributed to this report.


-- (c) Associated Press 2015-01-16

[Jedsada3]

Bad weather in Europe...

[Anthony5]

It looks like the Islam in Europe. Exciting times ahead.

[7by7]

It looks like the patient work of European intelligence agencies and police is paying off.

No doubt much of the intelligence gathered has come from within the Muslim community.

If not, then where?

[Mosha]

It looks like the patient work of European intelligence agencies and police is paying off.

No doubt much of the intelligence gathered has come from within the Muslim community.

If not, then where?

Monitoring phone calls?

[7by7]

That's part of it, for sure; but not all.

[Chicog]

PARIS (AP) — Paris police evacuated the Gare de l'Est train station Friday after a bomb threat, as authorities across Europe pressed on with efforts to prevent new violence after the worst terrorist attacks in decades.

Again: It seems the 2,000 slaughtered by Boko Haram recently don't appear to merit any significant press coverage.

Why not?

[Farang two dot zero]

Twelve people arrested friday in Paris region (eight men and four women) and they are suspected to given "logistical support" for terrorists of last week, including weapons and cars, these people are known to police for sale of narcotics and arms trafficking.

Source: www.leparisien.fr

Edited January 16, 2015 by Farang two dot zero

[peterb17]

It looks like the Islam in Europe. Exciting times ahead.

You might be right- there seems to be a bit of a back lash against the leftie liberals and apologists for what Is basically a cult that is spreading death and destruction around the world.

Please don't say that most terrorist attacks have nothing to do with the religion of peace- they have everything to do with Islam .

[RT555]

A) It's not information within the Muslim community....LOL

It's not tapping phone calls, they are already doing that.

The French have a list of over 1,000++. Just start at the top of the list and go down.

They have the records of the people who went out of the country, and to fight IS. then came back.

A little cat and mouse........I mean Rat and mouse.

[Don Aleman]

France has the highest number, in Europe, of Muslims and have been ass kissing them for 20 years so, maybe now, they will come begging to the Pentagon !

[Steely Dan]

It looks like the patient work of European intelligence agencies and police is paying off.

No doubt much of the intelligence gathered has come from within the Muslim community.

If not, then where?

Eves dropping on phone and Internet traffic? Incidentally two of the French terrorists used child pornography sites as a means to communicate with each other, no doubt mixing business with pleasure. But if intelligence came from within the Muslim community how can that be if the terrorists are nothing to do with Islam? You can't have it both ways. Perhaps the police looked equally at all communities for fear of stereotyping, but came up with blanks from the Amish, Jains and Hare Krishnas.

[7by7]

It is obvious to anyone with an IQ above that of lichen that suspicious behaviour is going to be noticed, and so reported to the authorities, by people among whom the terrorists or potential terrorist are living.

It is also obvious to anyone with an IQ above that of lichen that terrorists are not going to hide where their very appearance, such as skin colour, accent, dress etc.will make them stand out.

The IRA terrosists in the 19702 didn't hide among protestants, they hid among Catholics. Does that mean all Catholics supported their terrosism? Of course not. only a minority of republicans did!

That these terrorists hide within Muslim communities is not proof that those communities support them.

Except in the minds of the prejudiced.

Like the moronic Jihad Watch and Pamela Gellar; both of whom are claiming, despite all the evidence to the contrary, that a Muslim driver charged with causing death by dangerous driving in Manchester deliberately drove his car at the killed couple, who were crossing the road when hit, because they were white, non Muslims!!

[NeverSure]

It is obvious to anyone with an IQ above that of lichen that suspicious behaviour is going to be noticed, and so reported to the authorities, by people among whom the terrorists or potential terrorist are living.

It is also obvious to anyone with an IQ above that of lichen that terrorists are not going to hide where their very appearance, such as skin colour, accent, dress etc.will make them stand out.

The IRA terrosists in the 19702 didn't hide among protestants, they hid among Catholics. Does that mean all Catholics supported their terrosism? Of course not. only a minority of republicans did!

That these terrorists hide within Muslim communities is not proof that those communities support them.

Except in the minds of the prejudiced.

Like the moronic Jihad Watch and Pamela Gellar; both of whom are claiming, despite all the evidence to the contrary, that a Muslim driver charged with causing death by dangerous driving in Manchester deliberately drove his car at the killed couple, who were crossing the road when hit, because they were white, non Muslims!!

Since you're being so insistent, I assume you have a link to an authoritative source that states info came from Muslims.

No?

[7by7]

Obviously the intelligence services and police are not going to publicly name their sources!

But we already know from various news reports that Muslim governments are providing intelligence.

There is also the word of a US Congressman recently appointed to the House Intelligence Committe. Congressman says Muslims help thwart terrorists

"We want to see relationships where trust can be built and the relationship doesn't feel purely transactional," he said. "I've said time and time again that one of the biggest allies our intelligence has is the Muslim community. They know their communities better than anyone. I just had a meeting with the FBI, and (the National Security Agency) and Justice Department and we were talking about the efforts that the Muslim community have really contributed collectively in terms of thwarting potential attacks that you'll never even hear about in the media."

No doubt some here will say that as Mr Carson is, himself, a Muslim that he is lying.

Then there are the many reports of parents who have disowned their children who have joined organisations like ISIS; such as this one

Today, his furious father Ahmed Muthana, 57, said if his sons ever return to the UK, he would like to see them jailed.

He added that his sons have 'betrayed his family and betrayed Britain' - before insisting he had already binned family pictures of his boys because 'you don't keep the devil in your house.'

A small step from saying that one would like to see a terrorist jailed to reporting that terrorist to the authorities.

You will find many similar stories from not just the UK if you care to look.

[Ulysses G.]

Those incidents did not happen France, so don't understand the insistence that they "prove" the intelligence gathered in France has come from within the Muslim community and the Muslim situation in USA is much different from Europe. This is just so much wishful thinking. It seems like you constantly try to change perceptions of radical Islam by exaggerating information that is not pertinent to the topic at hand.

Edited January 19, 2015 by Ulysses G.

[Anthony5]

Today, his furious father Ahmed Muthana, 57, said if his sons ever return to the UK, he would like to see them jailed.

He added that his sons have 'betrayed his family and betrayed Britain' - before insisting he had already binned family pictures of his boys because 'you don't keep the devil in your house.'

A small step from saying that one would like to see a terrorist jailed to reporting that terrorist to the authorities.

You will find many similar stories from not just the UK if you care to look.

A BIG step from a father saving face in his neighborhood by making a statement and reporting his terrorist sons to the authorities.

[7by7]

Those incidents did not happen France, so don't understand the insistence that they "prove" the intelligence gathered in France has come from within the Muslim community. This is just wishful thinking. It seems like you constantly try to change perceptions of radical Islam by exaggerating information that is not pertinent to the topic at hand.

Where did I say that they did happen in France?

I was asked a question on a general, non country specific issue; I answered it.

Why do you constantly attempt to twist and change what I have said into something else?

Is it because you lack the intellectual capacity to understand? I doubt it.

Far more likely it's because you cannot refute it.

[Ulysses G.]

Those incidents did not happen France, so don't understand the insistence that they "prove" the intelligence gathered in France has come from within the Muslim community. This is just wishful thinking. It seems like you constantly try to change perceptions of radical Islam by exaggerating information that is not pertinent to the topic at hand.

Where did I say that they did happen in France?

That is the topic of the thread. You have few rivals when it comes to twisting and changing the subject.

[Steely Dan]

Those incidents did not happen France, so don't understand the insistence that they "prove" the intelligence gathered in France has come from within the Muslim community. This is just wishful thinking. It seems like you constantly try to change perceptions of radical Islam by exaggerating information that is not pertinent to the topic at hand.

Where did I say that they did happen in France?

I was asked a question on a general, non country specific issue; I answered it.

Why do you constantly attempt to twist and change what I have said into something else?

Is it because you lack the intellectual capacity to understand? I doubt it.

Far more likely it's because you cannot refute it.

Allow me. So American Muslims thwart terrorists eh? Is that why CAIR the universally quoted mouthpiece of the U.S Muslim community (and Muslim brotherhood front group) decided to print the following poster.

[CMNightRider]

It looks like the patient work of European intelligence agencies and police is paying off.

No doubt much of the intelligence gathered has come from within the Muslim community.

If not, then where?

My guess "intelligence gathered" came from police investigators. It is no secrete, a large percentage of the Muslim community support what the radical Muslims are doing.

[CMNightRider]

It is obvious to anyone with an IQ above that of lichen that suspicious behaviour is going to be noticed, and so reported to the authorities, by people among whom the terrorists or potential terrorist are living.

It is also obvious to anyone with an IQ above that of lichen that terrorists are not going to hide where their very appearance, such as skin colour, accent, dress etc.will make them stand out.

The IRA terrosists in the 19702 didn't hide among protestants, they hid among Catholics. Does that mean all Catholics supported their terrosism? Of course not. only a minority of republicans did!

That these terrorists hide within Muslim communities is not proof that those communities support them.

Except in the minds of the prejudiced.

Like the moronic Jihad Watch and Pamela Gellar; both of whom are claiming, despite all the evidence to the contrary, that a Muslim driver charged with causing death by dangerous driving in Manchester deliberately drove his car at the killed couple, who were crossing the road when hit, because they were white, non Muslims!!

Hold on there cowboy. What's up with the snide IQ remark? Why do liberals feel intellectually superior to people who don't share their naive beliefs? I'm not certain how you can compare IRA terrorists with Muslim terrorists. The number of radical Muslims world wide are staggering. Couple that with the support of a large percentage of so called peaceful Muslims, and we are talking about a serious threat to the free world.

[Steely Dan]

Ok, perhaps the UK Muslims are happy to give information to the authorities, or perhaps not. As I stated assailed by facts, those damn awkward things that keep raising their heads at inconvenient times.

http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/11734716.Bradford_mosques_leader_demands_apology_over_terror_letter/

[7by7]

It not surprising that when the resident Islamaphobes wander off topic that is fine, but when I do in order to answer a question I am accused of twisting and changing the subject!

It is all they can do when presented with facts event their prejudice cannot refute.

As for Steely Dan's poster; Does CAIR tell Muslims not to talk to the FBI?

In 2011, there was a huge uproar about a poster that had been placed on a local CAIR chapter website in California. The poster said “Build a wall of resistance. Don’t talk to the FBI”. As soon as CAIR National found out about this, they asked them to remove the poster from their website......

CAIR also issued a public response:
A 30-year old image that is inconsistent with CAIR’s policy of constitutionally-informed cooperation with law enforcement agencies was placed on the local events page of a CAIR chapter web site. Once it was brought to our attention it was removed. The image was not designed by CAIR and the event it promotes was not organized by CAIR.

As you will see from reading the whole article, the controversial poster wasn't even designed for an Islamic event!

The poster has a long history; originally being designed in support of a Puerto Rican movement being harassed by the FBI.

Last time I checked, Puerto Rica was not a Muslim!

Before anyone says "Well, they would say that; they're Muslims!" have a look at the many non Muslim sources and articles they quote and link to.

I didn't use that article because it is on a Muslim website, I used it as it contains all the information in one place.

[7by7]

Ok, perhaps the UK Muslims are happy to give information to the authorities, or perhaps not. As I stated assailed by facts, those damn awkward things that keep raising their heads at inconvenient times.

http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/11734716.Bradford_mosques_leader_demands_apology_over_terror_letter/

As any attempt by me to discuss this letter here will no doubt lead to yet more accusations that I am trying to twist and change the subject; I wont do so.

However, if you wish to discuss it in the British cultural problem topic in Outside the Box, I'll be happy to do so.

[Ulysses G.]

As you will see from reading the whole article, the controversial poster wasn't even designed for an Islamic event!

Gosh. Who would accuse you of twisting facts?

I can see why you chose that Muslim website. Their "explanation" was so convoluted, it reminded me of one of your posts defending radical Islam.

Who cares what the poster was designed for originally? It came from "the Arab Resource & Organizing Center". The poster in question was promoting a conference called “FBI Raids and Grand Jury Subpoenas: Know Your Rights and Defend Our Communities.” The keynote speaker was Hatem Abudayyeh, who was identified by CAIR as an activist and Palestinian community leader, whose home was raided by federal agents. Sounds like an Islamic event to me.

The anti-FBI poster, advertising an Islamic event, was only taken down from CAIR'S website AFTER they were confronted about it by the media.

Edited January 20, 2015 by Ulysses G.

[7by7]

It was taken down from a local chapter's website after the national organisation were informed of it.

I suggest you actually read the whole article; the conference was not an Islamic one.

[Ulysses G.]

I suggest you read other articles. I read your whole article. It is nothing but very obvious spin. Even CAIR spokesman Ibrahim Hooper said that the poster “crosses the line”.

Edited January 20, 2015 by Ulysses G.

[Steely Dan]

It was taken down from a local chapter's website after the national organisation were informed of it.

I suggest you actually read the whole article; the conference was not an Islamic one.

Well I guess it boils down to an issue of credibility as to whether or not you believe the post-hoc dissembling from CAIR or not.

I would not, especially as they have been designated a terrorist organization along with the MAS by the UAE because of their active support for the Muslim brotherhood and funding for Hamas.

http://www.clarionproject.org/analysis/uae-doubles-down-designation-cair-terrorists

Quote; By doing this (terrorist designation) the UAE hoped to bring attention to the Islamists' influence in and danger to the west.

Edited January 20, 2015 by Steely Dan

[Steely Dan]

It not surprising that when the resident Islamaphobes wander off topic that is fine, but when I do in order to answer a question I am accused of twisting and changing the subject!

It is all they can do when presented with facts event their prejudice cannot refute.

As for Steely Dan's poster; Does CAIR tell Muslims not to talk to the FBI?

In 2011, there was a huge uproar about a poster that had been placed on a local CAIR chapter website in California. The poster said “Build a wall of resistance. Don’t talk to the FBI”. As soon as CAIR National found out about this, they asked them to remove the poster from their website......

CAIR also issued a public response:
A 30-year old image that is inconsistent with CAIR’s policy of constitutionally-informed cooperation with law enforcement agencies was placed on the local events page of a CAIR chapter web site. Once it was brought to our attention it was removed. The image was not designed by CAIR and the event it promotes was not organized by CAIR.
As you will see from reading the whole article, the controversial poster wasn't even designed for an Islamic event!

The poster has a long history; originally being designed in support of a Puerto Rican movement being harassed by the FBI.

Last time I checked, Puerto Rica was not a Muslim!

Before anyone says "Well, they would say that; they're Muslims!" have a look at the many non Muslim sources and articles they quote and link to.

I didn't use that article because it is on a Muslim website, I used it as it contains all the information in one place.

I replied regarding CAIR in another post but thought it as well to add that Manuel Vallis, the French interior minister observed that the word Islamophobia was being systematically used by those wishing to avoid legitimate discussion of Islam. I guess everyone knows this, but I would merely point out that your habitual use, or should I say misuse of the word does no good for your credibility.

Edited January 21, 2015 by Scott