Brussels on highest alert as Belgian officials warn of "serious and imminent" threat

The government abruptly shut down the city’s subway system, canceled sporting events and warned residents to avoid crowded places, as Belgium placed the capital on maximum alert Saturday, citing a “serious and imminent” threat of attack. Bars and restaurants in the center of the city were asked to close for the night at 6 p.m. local time as fears of another terrorism strike in Europe mounted. Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel said Saturday that officials had identified shopping centers, public transportation and major events as targets of a possible attack, involving multiple assailants at multiple locations, similar to the deadly assault that struck Paris on Nov. 13.