Brussels faces a rising tide of gang-related violence, with 57 shootings recorded this year alone, resulting in four fatalities and eight injuries. With 92 incidents last year, authorities are preparing to deploy military personnel to address the crisis.
Surge in Gun Violence
Bruussels is grappling with a significant spike in gang-related drug crime, with 57 shootings recorded this year. Four people have been killed and eight injured in the violence.
Military Deployment Proposed
Belgian Minister of Security Bernard Quintin has proposed deploying the military to support local law enforcement in combating the escalating drug crime wave. According to Politico, Quintin described the situation in Brussels as ‘catastrophic’.
Joint Patrols Planned
Under Quintin’s plans, soldiers would operate in mixed teams with police officers, focusing on metro stations and designated areas of the city, including Peterbos in Anderlecht. The decision to involve military forces in the capital has already been made, but details are still being finalized.