World News
Shootings surge in Brussels as drug-related violence escalates
A rise in gang territory wars has brought heavy weapons, attacks on police, and the recruitment of minors to the Belgian capital.
The short version
- Brussels has experienced over 65 drug-related shootings so far this year, following more than 100 in 2025.
- Drug gangs fighting over lucrative dealing spots have escalated violence in central areas, including the first-ever direct attack on a police station using an AK-47.
- Belgium's interior minister has announced the deployment of 40 additional police officers to the most affected area, while local police call for social and preventive solutions.
Key facts
- Brussels has seen a significant wave of drug-related shootings, with over 65 recorded so far this year after exceeding 100 in 2025.[BBC News]
- Recent violence in the central St Gilles neighborhood included three shootings in three days, targeting a restaurant, injuring a suspected dealer, and culminating in an AK-47 attack on a police station by individuals on a scooter.[BBC News]
- Brussels South Police Chief Jurgen de Landsheer stated that there are more than 200 drug-dealing points across the city, with the most successful spots generating up to €50,000 ($58,000) or more per day.[BBC News]
- Police report that drug gangs are recruiting youth, some as young as 12 years old, to carry out shootings with military-grade weapons for small sums of money.[BBC News]
- In response to the violence, Belgium's interior minister announced that 40 additional police officers will be deployed to the affected area.[BBC News]
Sources
- Shootings surge as drug gangs torment BrusselsBBC News - World