Terrorism in Belgium: they were planning an attack.

The police in Belgium have arrested a group of radicalized young people who were planning violent actions using firearms and were linked to the Islamic State for terrorism. Online radicalization is influencing young people and fueling hatred online, contributing to the spread of terrorist propaganda activities.

The police carried out three searches in Zavantem, Molenbeeck-Saint Jean and Shaerbeek. According to the federal prosecutor's office, the group is made up of young people who became radicalized in a short time, developing plans for violent actions with the use of firearms.

Furthermore, the intelligence apparatuses have found links of the suspects with the Islamic State (ISIS).

Islamic radicalism is on the rise in recent years. The process of rapid and early radicalization is continuously growing due to digital tools such as applications and social networks that contribute to fueling hatred online and spreading terrorist propaganda activities. Online radicalization through social network mainly affects young people, who are the primary users of the web.

Belgium was shaken by the terrorist attacks that hit the metro and Brussels airport in 2016, causing 35 deaths and over 300 injuries. The trial against the alleged perpetrators of those attacks has been underway for a few months in the Belgian capital. Last February, the police arrested a man accused of planning a terrorist attack that was going to take place on the occasion of the election of Miss Belgium. The same month, a teenager was arrested on similar charges. 

The threat of terrorism and extremism remains a significant challenge for Belgium and many other countries. Authorities continue to work on identifying and preventing potential attacks while tackling online radicalization and promoting security and integration in society.

Editorial