In Brussels on Monday evening at 7:15 PM, two Swedish football fans were shot and killed, and a taxi driver was seriously hurt. This happened on Boulevard d’Ypres, close to Place Sainctelette, which is only a 20-minute walk from the Grand Place.
A man in an orange jacket and helmet shouted “Allah Akhbar,” shot two people, and fired at cars. He escaped on a scooter. The victims were Swedish football fans heading to a game. The match was stopped due to the incident. Fans had to stay at the stadium.
“Abdeslam Lassoued: The Suspect in Brussels Shooting Incident”
The suspect, Abdeslam Lassoued, 45, was located in Schaerbeek after an extensive search by Belgian police. He was found in a café on Tuesday morning, resulting in a firefight where he was shot in the chest. Tragically, he succumbed to his injuries later in the hospital.
Belgium’s Justice Minister, Vincent Van Quickenborne, disclosed that Lassoued had sought asylum in Belgium in 2019, which was rejected a year later. Following this, he remained in Belgium without legal status.
Furthermore, it was clarified by Van Quickenborne that Lassoued had previous convictions in Tunisia, but not related to terrorism, contrary to previous reports. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson also stated that Lassoued had spent time in Sweden without committing any crimes.
Title: Assessing the Guilt of Abdeslam Lassoued in Brussels Attack
Belgian authorities are treating Abdeslam Lassoued as the perpetrator of the Brussels terror attack. Interior Minister Annelies Verlinden announced his identification and death, commending the intelligence and security services for their swift intervention. Brussels Mayor Philippe Close emphasized the priority of citizens’ safety and preserving everyday life.
Various pieces of evidence point to Lassoued’s responsibility. The weapon reportedly used in the attack was found on his person during the confrontation with the police. Additionally, a video posted on social media, in which Lassoued confessed under a pseudonym, provides further indications of his involvement. In the video, he claimed affiliation with the Islamic State, expressed religious fervor, and admitted to targeting three Swedes.
At a subsequent press conference, Verlinden declined to confirm whether Lassoued acted alone. She stressed that the Federal Prosecutor’s Office is diligently investigating all potential scenarios and will not rule out any leads until further clarification is achieved.
Unraveling Motives Behind the Attack
The motives behind the Brussels attacks remain uncertain, as the Federal Prosecutor’s Office spokesperson, Eric Van Duyse, declined to confirm the suspect’s motive, stating that further communication is pending. However, media reports have suggested possible reasons.
Some media outlets have proposed that the attacks might be linked to perceived acts of provocation. Specifically, they speculate that the killings could be in retaliation for recent incidents of Quran burnings in Sweden, which have been a source of tension in recent months.
On another front, certain newspapers have reported that the attacks could be an act of retribution, possibly connected to the tragic killing of Wadea Al-Fayoume, a 6-year-old Palestinian-American boy who was fatally stabbed in Illinois on a Saturday morning.
In response to these incidents, the Muslim Council of Belgium swiftly condemned the Brussels terrorist attack, expressing their strong commitment to combat extremism and its dire consequences. They also extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims.
Repercussions of the Attack in Belgium
In the aftermath of the Brussels attack, Belgian authorities have implemented significant measures to ensure public safety and address the evolving security situation.
The terror alert level in Belgium has been raised to level four, marking the first time it has reached this level since the 2016 terror attacks. On a national scale, the terror alert level is set at level three. This elevated alert status is scheduled for review at 15:00 on Tuesday, highlighting the ongoing concern for security.
Citizens are being urged to remain vigilant and to avoid non-essential travel. Belgium’s National Crisis Centre has issued a warning against making unnecessary trips within or to the capital. The Flemish Government has advised its employees against traveling to Brussels during this period.
The EU Commission in Brussels has also heightened its alert level and requested its staff to work from home on Tuesday. Car parks for EU buildings are closed to vehicles, and EU schools and crèches have suspended operations.
In response to the security situation, several Brussels universities and some schools have transitioned to distance learning. Notable institutions taking this step include VUB and KU Leuven.
In light of the attack, France has increased border controls with Belgium, as reported by Belgian media. However, Brussels’ public transport system and Brussels Airport are reported to be operating normally, with security measures in place to ensure the safety of passengers and travelers.
These measures reflect the immediate and coordinated response to the Brussels attack, aimed at protecting citizens, maintaining essential services, and ensuring public safety in Belgium.
Conclusion:-
In conclusion, the Brussels attack has left a significant impact on the city and its residents. While the motives behind the attack remain uncertain, the response from Belgian authorities has been swift and resolute. The decision to raise the terror alert level to its highest point since the 2016 terror attacks underscores the seriousness of the situation.
Citizens have been called upon to exercise caution, avoid non-essential travel, and remain vigilant. The European Union’s response to the incident, including the closure of EU buildings and the shift to remote work, demonstrates the far-reaching consequences of such acts of violence.
While border controls have been tightened, essential services such as public transport and the airport continue to function, illustrating the resilience of the city and its commitment to maintaining daily life despite the challenges it faces.
The Brussels attack serves as a reminder of the ongoing threats to security and the importance of coordinated efforts to protect the well-being of citizens. As investigations unfold and more information becomes available, the focus remains on ensuring safety, pursuing justice, and addressing the broader implications of the incident.
