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IS flag found during Brussels raid linked to Paris attacks

An Islamic State flag was found by the body of a gunman shot in a house raid near Brussels, authorities said.

Two suspects escaped during the anti-terrorism raid, which was linked to the Paris attacks.

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Brussels shootout: What we know so far

Part of Brussels has been sealed off and armed police are patrolling the streets after shots were fired during a raid linked to November's terror attacks in Paris.

Officers take cover after shots were fired Credit: Reuters

Here's what we know so far:

  • The raid happened at around 2pm local time (1pm GMT) this afternoon in the Forest district of Brussels, at what appeared from pictures to be a dentists' office.
  • Forest is very close to the Molenbeek neighbourhood, where several people involved in the Paris attacks had been living.
  • Officers from both France and Belgium are involved in the operation.
  • Four police officers - including a French female officer - were hurt when one or more gunmen opened fire through a door during the raid.
  • Two have now been released from hospital.
  • One gunman, armed with a Kalashnikov, was killed when police stormed the building around five hours after the first raid.
  • Officers are still hunting at least two other suspects.
  • Residents were told to stay indoors and two schools in the area were placed on lockdown. The children have now been allowed to leave and return home.
  • Named Paris suspect Saleh Abdeslam was not the target of today's operation, according to Agence France-Presse, though reports suggest officers may have been targeting some of his associates.

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