Brussels is facing a growing wave of violence. In just a few days, multiple shootings have shaken the city.
Drug-related crime has been a problem for years, but now the situation seems to be escalating.
On Friday night, another shooting took place in the Peterbos district of Anderlecht. It was the fourth incident in three days, reports Ukrinform.
The gunfire erupted around 4 a.m. on February 7. When police arrived, they found one person dead.
The identity of the victim has not yet been confirmed. Investigators and forensic experts are still working at the scene.
Brussels Mayor Fabrice Cumps is urging the Belgian federal government to act. He wants more resources for local police to stop the violence and dismantle the criminal networks responsible.
He believes that simply increasing patrols is not enough. While extra officers may help in the short term, a long-term strategy is needed.
This latest shooting follows a violent pattern. Just a day earlier, another person was shot in the leg in the Clémenceau district, also in Anderlecht.
On Wednesday morning, two gunmen opened fire near the Clémenceau metro station before escaping through a tunnel. These attacks have left residents on edge.
Authorities do not believe these shootings are acts of terrorism. Instead, they see them as part of the ongoing struggle between rival drug gangs.
Brussels has long been a hotspot for drug-related crime, but the numbers are rising at an alarming rate.
In 2024, there have already been 89 reported shootings. This is more than double the 43 cases recorded in 2023.
The recent surge in violence has put pressure on officials to respond. Residents are demanding action, and city leaders know they must move quickly.
If these shootings continue, the situation could spiral out of control.
