Brussels’ Chief Prosecutor Sounds Alarm Over ‘Weapons of War’ as Gang Violence Surges

Brussels Faces Wave of Drug-Related Gun Violence

Brussels is experiencing a surge in shootings since early February, leaving two people dead and at least three others injured. Authorities believe most of these violent incidents are connected to drug trafficking and gang rivalries over territory.

The outbreak of violence began on February 5, just before dawn, when two masked men fired Kalashnikov-style weapons outside Clemenceau metro station in western Brussels. The attack prompted a massive police search through the city’s metro tunnels, disrupting transit for much of the day.

Most recently, on Monday evening, another shooting near Saint-Guidon metro station left one person injured. Police are still searching for the suspect.

In response to the escalating violence, Belgium’s Interior Minister Bernard Quintin announced Monday that he and Justice Minister Annelies Verlinden will work on solutions to combat drug-related crime in Brussels. Quintin also pledged to reinforce federal police in an effort to restore security.

During a security meeting on Tuesday, local official Moinil stressed the need for action, saying he would remain “very vigilant” in ensuring that the promised police reinforcements are actually deployed.

Tensions remain high as authorities work to curb the growing violence affecting the Belgian capital.