Belgian authorities are actively searching for armed individuals involved in a shooting outside the Clémenceau metro station, with no reported injuries. The incident, which occurred early Wednesday, has prompted heightened security measures and disrupted local transport services.
Brussels on High Alert Following Morning Shooting Incident
Brussels on High Alert Following Morning Shooting Incident
Police launch manhunt for armed suspects after gunfire erupts at metro station, sparking fears of public safety.
Belgian police are currently investigating a shooting incident that took place outside the Clémenceau metro station in central Brussels on Wednesday morning. CCTV footage aired by local media shows at least two masked gunmen, armed with rifles, engaging in gunfire around 06:15 local time (05:15 GMT). According to Sarah Frederickx, a spokesperson for the Brussels police, the suspects may have escaped into the nearby metro tunnels.
Miraculously, there were no injuries reported as a result of the shooting. Authorities are searching for what they believe to be a small group of individuals, estimated at two or three, who may still be armed. The suspects are reported to have used weapons that appeared to be Kalashnikov rifles, according to BruxellesToday. Social media footage verified by the BBC captured the alarming exchange of gunfire, although the target of the gunmen remains unclear.
The shooting forced the temporary closure of multiple metro stations, including the Clémenceau and Brussels-Midi stations, a critical hub for Eurostar services. A command post has been established at the Anderlecht town hall to coordinate the search efforts. No arrests have been made as of the latest updates from the prosecutor's office, which assures that they do not at this moment suspect a "terrorist" motive behind the activity.
Belgium’s interior minister, Bernard Quintin, alongside police officials and local authorities, is closely monitoring the situation. Local media reports suggest that the incident could be linked to ongoing issues with drug trafficking in the Brussels-Midi area, which has a history of violence and criminal activity.
In the wake of the shooting, tram services that were disrupted have since resumed, but the incident has understandably rattled local commuters. One resident reported hearing multiple gunshots and expressed concern for public safety, stating, "We have to send our children to school, we take the metro. We are scared." As investigations continue, residents are encouraged to share any pertinent information to assist police efforts.
