A manhunt is underway in Brussels after a new terrorist attack struck at the heart of Europe's capital, leaving at least two dead and one injured. The two people were killed with Kalashnikovs in the late afternoon in a square (Place Sainctelette) in the central area, near the canal that crosses the city not far from the Molenbeek district, from where the terrorist attacks that devastated Paris and threw France into shock began. At around 19:15 p.m., witnesses saw a man wearing a fluorescent orange vest and a white helmet get off a scooter and fire at the cry of 'Allah akbar' first at someone who was in the lobby of a building, then at a taxi. Immediately after, again according to the first testimonies, the man fled on board the same scooter. No suspects have been apprehended so far. The victims are said to be two Swedes, perhaps fans who came to Brussels to watch the match between their national team and the Belgian one.
In the evening, the police feared that the attacker had headed right towards the stadium to strike again. In a video published on the Facebook profile belonging to a certain Slayem Slouma, the terrorist can be seen claiming responsibility for the action and belonging to ISIS. "I'm a Mujahid of the Islamic State, whether you like it or not.
We live for our religion and we die for this same religion," he said, claiming to have killed "three Swedes right now." Belgian Prime Minister De Croo, the Minister of the Interior and the Minister of Justice immediately met in the crisis cell to follow the evolution of the situation, asking citizens to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary travel, while the counter-terrorism services took the case into their own hands. The authorities decided to raise the alert level and the OCAM, the body for the assessment of terrorist threats, was urgently convened.
"After the shooting, police services are mobilizing to ensure security in and around our capital, in cooperation with the Minister of the Interior, Annelies Verlinden," said the mayor of Brussels, Philippe Close. Close was also at the center of crises to ensure the coordination of the security forces. The Belgian capital is thus plunged back into terror after the attack on the Jewish museum that opened the series of attacks claimed by ISIS cells and the double bomb attack that in March 2016 hit the airport and the subway, leaving 32 dead and 340 injured, in addition to the three suicide terrorists. According to what has been learned in Paris, Minister Gérald Darmanin has given orders - immediately after the news of the attack in Brussels with the perpetrator on the run - to strengthen border controls between France and Belgium. "My thoughts go out to the families of the two victims of the despicable attack in Brussels. My absolute support for the Belgian police forces to quickly apprehend the suspect. We are united against terrorism," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wrote on X. "The heart of Europe has been hit by violence. My heart goes out to the families of the victims of the murderous attack in the centre of Brussels. My support to the Belgian authorities and security services who are monitoring the situation," echoed EU Council President Charles Michel.
Video He yells 'Allah akbar', shoots and kills two Swedes. Several people were injured
Belgium-Sweden match interrupted after the attack
The European Championship qualifier match between Belgium and Sweden was interrupted following the attack in the centre of Brussels. This is what we read in the Belgian media. The match took place at the city's King Baudouin Stadium, where about 35,<> people were present.
Palazzo Chigi, Meloni follows the news from Brussels with concern
"Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is following with concern the news of the attack carried out in Brussels, in the heart of Europe. Italy strongly condemns all forms of violence, fanaticism and terrorism, and expresses its deepest condolences to the victims and their families." This is stated in a note from Palazzo Chigi.
Ambassador in Brussels, 'no Italians involved'
There is no Italian involved in the attack in Brussels at the moment. This was said by the Italian ambassador to Belgium Federica Favi to Sky Tg24.
All rights reserved © Copyright ANSA