Four armed attacks reported in Brussels over four days

Four armed attacks have occurred in Brussels, the capital of Belgium, over the past four days, raising significant concerns regarding public safety in the city. According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, citing international media reports, the incidents are largely linked to escalating criminal activity related to drug trafficking.

The most recent incident was recorded in the Saint-Gilles district. Authorities reported that a shooting occurred at approximately 02:40 local time, resulting in one person being injured and subsequently hospitalized. Police have confirmed the detention of two suspects in connection with this attack. Prior to this, on August 21, a police station in the Anderlecht district was targeted by gunfire from a long-barreled weapon. While no casualties were reported, the building's facade sustained significant damage. Additionally, on August 22, another shooting in Saint-Gilles left one person with non-life-threatening leg injuries, an event Saint-Gilles Mayor Jean Spinette attributed to ongoing drug-related conflicts.

Brussels, which serves as the administrative hub for major European Union institutions, has faced mounting security challenges in recent years due to drug smuggling and violent clashes between criminal syndicates. Belgian police data indicates that 96 armed attacks were recorded in Brussels in 2025 alone, with the majority linked to the illicit drug trade. These violent incidents have resulted in eight fatalities throughout the year, prompting calls for intensified law enforcement measures in the affected districts.