New Name in Investigation: Mysterious Syrian Played Key Role in Brussels Terror Attack?

A new name has emerged in the investigation into the attacks in Paris and Brussels - Naim al Hamed, reports CNN, as carried by the Patria news agency.

He is a 28-year-old Syrian whose photo is allegedly circulating among French investigators and European security agencies, and he is described as very dangerous and likely armed. CNN reports that he is suspected of having played one of the key roles in the attacks.

CNN writes that it has not been confirmed whether he is the man dressed in light clothing, captured by surveillance cameras at the Belgian airport, who left a bag with explosives there. French newspaper Le Monde also reports that his DNA was found in the apartment where Salah Abdeslam was discovered, but this information has not yet been confirmed.

It is believed that Hamed arrived together with refugees from Syria at the end of September last year. Le Monde writes that he came to Europe several weeks before the other two Paris attackers.

According to a police source, Hamed was registered in the Schengen Information System on March 10 and was driving a black Audi A3. Before the attacks, he was registered at a refugee center in Ulm.

CNN writes that, although there is still no official confirmation of his involvement in the terrorist attacks in Paris and Brussels, he is currently one of the most wanted persons in Europe, reports Index.