French Police Say They Have Arrested Fugitive Suspect In Paris Attacks

05:52

April 08, 2016

The Associated Press

Belgian authorities have released this still image from surveillance video of three men suspected of taking part in the attacks at Belgium's Zaventem Airport. (Belgian Federal Police)

A fugitive suspect in the Nov. 13 Paris attacks was arrested in Belgium on Friday, French police officials said, after a raid Belgian authorities said was linked to the deadly March 22 Brussels bombings.

The suspect, Mohamed Abrini, is believed to be the mysterious "man in the hat" who escaped the double bombing at the Zaventem airport, according to one of the French officials. If true, that would mean Abrini had a key role in both attacks carried out by the Islamic State cell that left a total of 162 people dead - 130 in Paris and 32 in Brussels.

The two officials spoke on condition of anonymity to offer details about the ongoing Belgian investigation, which has also involved French anti-terror police.

Friday's arrest of at least two people came a day after Belgian authorities released photos and video of the airport suspect.

The Belgian federal prosecutor's office confirmed "several arrests" but refused to provide more information.

Guest

Dina Temple-Raston, NPR’s counterterrorism correspondent. She tweets @NPRDina.

This segment aired on April 8, 2016.