Canadian embassy in Brussels closed amid 'serious and imminent threat'

A Belgian Army soldier patrols an otherwise busy shopping street in Brussels on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2015. (AP / Virginia Mayo)

The Canadian embassy in Brussels is closed “until further notice” and will only provide emergency consular services in the interim as security is ramped up in Belgium’s capital.

The announcement came Sunday as anti-terror raids were carried out in Brussels, leading to 16 people being detained, according to Belgian prosecutors.

Canadian travellers have been advised to exercise a “high-degree of caution” while travelling throughout Belgium, “due to the current elevated threat of terrorism,” according to a government advisory.

Hundreds of heavily-armed troops continue to patrol the streets of Brussels, and the subway system, universities and schools will remain closed through Monday due to “a serious and imminent threat,” according to Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel.

"We fear an attack like in Paris, with several individuals, perhaps in several places," Michel said Sunday.

With files from the Associated Press