The suspected attacker fled the scene after the shooting as the football match between Belgium and Sweden was about to kick off, sparking a massive manhunt and prompting Belgium to raise its terror alert to its highest level.
Security forces patrol near the site of the terrorist attack. Photo: AP
Terrorist threat due to Israel-Hamas war
The suspect, who identified himself as Abdesalem Al Guilani, said in a social media video that he was a fighter for Allah. The federal prosecutor said the third victim, whose injuries were not life-threatening, was a taxi driver. The statement urged residents of Brussels to stay indoors until the threat was over. European Commission staff were also advised to stay indoors.
Sweden in August raised its terror alert to its second-highest level following Koran burnings and other Islam-related acts, citing the threat from jihadists.
Belgian Prime Minister Alexander de Croo confirmed on social media that the victims were Swedish. “I have just sent my sincere condolences to the Swedish Prime Minister after tonight’s heartbreaking attack on Swedish citizens in Brussels,” he said.
"We received terrible news from Brussels this evening. The Government Office and the relevant authorities are working hard to get more information about what happened," said Swedish Justice Minister Gunnar Strommer.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said in a statement that all Swedes in Belgium would receive a text message on their phones urging them to be vigilant and follow instructions from Belgian authorities.
"Given the possible terrorist motives of the perpetrator, the investigation is in the hands of the federal prosecutor's office... The necessary measures are currently being taken to track down the perpetrator and ensure safety in and around the King Baudouin Stadium," the Belgian interior minister said.
A Belgian newspaper said the victims were likely two football fans. Belgium played Sweden in a Euro 2024 qualifier on Monday night. The match was abandoned after halftime for security reasons with the score at 1-1.
The attack comes at a time of heightened security concerns in several European countries over the Israel-Hamas conflict. France deployed 7,000 extra troops on the streets after a teacher was stabbed to death on Friday in an attack President Emmanuel Macron condemned as “barbaric Islamist terrorism”.
How did it happen?
A Belgian police spokesman confirmed on Monday that two people were killed in an attack near the center of the Belgian capital, in a different area than the stadium, but declined to give further details.
Belgian fans at the match against Sweden grieve after hearing the news of the terrorist attack that killed two people. Photo: AP
The match between Belgium and Sweden in the EURO 2024 qualifiers was postponed after the end of the first half and when the score was 1-1. Photo: AP
Investigators and forensic officers work at the scene. Photo: Reuters
Video posted on the Het Laatste Nieuws newspaper website shows a man in an orange jacket riding a scooter at a crossroads with a rifle, first firing two shots, then three more, then running into a building, firing two more shots, walking away, taking a few steps back and firing again.
In a video message recorded by the self-proclaimed killer, he said: "Greetings from the Muslims Allahu Akbar. My name is Abdesalem Al Guilani and I am a fighter for Allah. I am from the Islamic State. We love those who love us and we hate those who hate us. We live for our religion and we die for our religion…".
France is tightening controls at its border with Belgium following the deadly attacks in Brussels, Belgian media reported. Belgium's crisis centre warned people against making any non-essential trips to the capital.
Huy Hoang (according to Reuters, AP)
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