A major manhunt is underway in Brussels after three shootings rattled the EU capital between Wednesday and Thursday morning. Despite the chaos, Belgian police have yet to track down the culprits, who are believed to be involved in an ongoing gang war.
Gunfire erupted in Saint-Josse and twice near the Clemenceau metro station in Anderlecht, just 1.5 kilometers from Brussels’ historic center. In the most alarming incident, two hooded figures stormed out of the metro station, firing automatic weapons into the air before vanishing into the tunnels. Authorities suspect these attacks are linked to escalating turf wars between rival drug gangs, many tied to North African migrant networks.
Anderlecht Mayor Fabrice Cumps confirmed one person suffered a leg wound on Thursday morning but, remarkably, no fatalities were reported. Despite police responding swiftly, the gunmen managed to slip away, forcing authorities to halt metro services temporarily.
Footage of the attack spread rapidly on social media, with users claiming the shooters wielded a Romanian PM md. 63—a variant of the Soviet AKM—and an American M4 carbine. Brussels’ public prosecutor, Julien Moinil, called the situation “shocking” and admitted authorities still have no leads on the suspects. He warned that gang violence in the city is spiraling out of control, adding, “A decline is underway.”
While most victims of these turf wars are rival gangsters, innocent bystanders often get caught in the crossfire. Last year alone, several civilians lost their lives to Brussels’ growing crime wave. Despite repeated crackdowns, Belgium’s police seem unable to put a lid on the escalating violence.
