Brussels, May 23 (IANS) The manhunt for a fugitive Belgian soldier believed to harbour right-wing extremist sympathies has continued for a fifth consecutive day.
Security forces carried out searches during Saturday night of 10 houses belonging to people thought to be close to the suspect, dpa news agency quoted a statement released on Sunday by the public prosecutor.
The 46-year-old soldier, identified as Jurgen Conings in the Belgian press, disappeared from his home in the nearby municipality of Dilsen-Stokkem on the Dutch border on May 17.
Authorities believe he is armed and said he may have intentions to harm a number of institutions and personalities, including the country’s top virologist.
They warned the public not to approach to the man, who is on the country’s terrorist watch list.
A search notice was also posted by Interpol on Saturday, stating that the suspect was wanted for “threatening a terrorist attack on persons and regime”.
A vehicle used by the fugitive was found on May 18.
Police discovered four anti-tank rocket launchers and ammunition in it.
German and Dutch police are involved in the ongoing search in the Limburg region on the border with the Netherlands, according to broadcaster VRT.
On May 20, a judge specializing in terror cases was appointed in the case that concerns attempted murder and violation of weapons law in the context of terrorism.