Terrorist attack in Brussels: two dead.

An individual opened fire in the center of Brussels, killing two people of Swedish nationality. The attacker reportedly shouted "Allah akbar" and fled the scene. The police are investigating the incident as a possible act of Islamist terrorism.

Attacco terroristico a Bruxelles

The nightmare of Islamist terrorism returns to frighten Europe. A man opened fire in the center of Brussels, killing two people before fleeing. The police are following the trail of Islamist terrorism. The perpetrator of the attack, which occurred around 7:15 p.m. near Place Sainctelette, reportedly shouted "Allah akbar". The two victims are of Swidish nationality. Tonight, the Belgium-Sweden match was scheduled to take place at the King Baudouin Stadium but was suspended, and the two individuals killed were wearing the Swedish national team jersey.

The prosecutor's office has announced that the taxi driver in which the victims were traveling was injured but out of danger. Witnesses cited by Le Soir reported seeing an armed individual wearing a fluorescent orange jacket and a white helmet fleeing on a scooter. The man reportedly fired a heavy weapon in the lobby of a building and then at two people in a taxi. The Italian ambassador to Belgium, Federica Favi, stated that there are currently no Italians involved in the attack.

The video of the attacker.

"The alleged attacker claimed responsibility for the action with a video on social media: 'I am Abdeslam Jilani, I have avenged the Muslims. I have just killed three Swedes,' he said in Arabic, according to some local media outlets with a Tunisian accent. He also said: 'I am a mujahid of the Islamic State. We love those who love us and hate those who hate us. We live for faith and die for faith. I am ready to meet God happy and serene.' 'Your brother has avenged himself in the name of the Muslims", the man added. 'Those whom I have done wrong can forgive me. And I forgive everyone"..

Belgium has raised the alert level to four, the highest level, which is a sign of a 'serious and imminent' terrorist threat. Security around the stadium has also been strengthened. After the first half of the game, the teams did not return to the field, and the audience was instructed to stay inside the stadium.

The security services and police have been mobilized. The Prime Minister, Minister of the Interior, and Minister of Justice have gathered at the National Crisis Center to monitor the situation. Access to the European Parliament has been blocked, and individuals inside the complex have been advised to stay indoors.

The Brussels attack follows the one in Arras, France, where a teacher was killed a few days ago. Following the events in Brussels, the French government has decided to intensify border controls with Belgium.

The reactions to the terrorist attack in Brussels

"The Prime Minister of Belgium, Alexander De Croo, wrote on social media, 'We are monitoring the situation and asking the citizens of Brussels to be vigilant,' while expressing his 'deepest condolences to the loved ones of the victims of the cowardly attack in Brussels.' 'My thoughts tonight are with the families of the two victims of the despicable attack in Brussels. My full support to the police forces to quickly capture the suspect.'"

"We stand united against terrorism," wrote the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, on X. The President of the European Council, Charles Michel, emphasized that "the heart of Europe has been struck by violence." "My thoughts go to the families of the victims. My support goes to the authorities and security services who are monitoring the situation," he added. Palazzo Chigi issued a statement: "The Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is following with concern the news of the attack in Brussels, in the heart of Europe. Italy strongly condemns all forms of violence, fanaticism, and terrorism, and expresses deepest condolences to the victims and their families." French President Emmanuel Macron, who was visiting Albania, reacted to the attack by stating that "our Europe is shaken".

Editorial Team