Two Killed in Brussels Gun Rampage by Man Claiming ISIS Affiliation

Deadly Shooting in Brussels

Two people were tragically shot dead in the heart of Brussels in a horrifying attack.

The assailant, who reportedly claimed affiliation with ISIS, unleashed gunfire on a group of individuals wearing Swedish football shirts.

This attack took place ahead of a Euro 2024 qualifier match that was scheduled to be held at the Heysel Stadium, just three miles away from the scene.

Gunman’s Actions and Escape

Amateur videos circulated in the media showed the assailant using a large weapon to shoot multiple rounds near a train station.

Witnesses reported that the gunman, who was traveling on a moped, shouted ‘Allahu Akbar’ (Arab for ‘God is the Greatest’) during the attack.

Additionally, he claimed to be avenging the stabbing murder of a six-year-old US-Palestinian boy.

Terrorist Attack Suspected

An investigating source described the incident as having the hallmarks of a terrorist attack.

The assailant reportedly stated in a video shared on social media that he needed to ‘take revenge’ by killing three people from Sweden.

During the attack, the gunman also targeted a man in the lobby of a nearby building.

Fatalities and Emergency Response

Tragically, two Swedish football fans lost their lives in a taxi after being attacked by the gunman, who then fled the scene on his moped.

Despite the quick arrival of emergency services, no suspect was apprehended. The police sealed off the immediate area around the incident.

Context and Previous Terrorist Incidents

Belgium has experienced a series of terrorist attacks in recent years, many of which were linked to Islamist groups like ISIS and Al-Qaeda.

Notably, eight men were recently tried for their involvement in the 2016 suicide bombings that claimed 32 lives and injured hundreds at Brussels airport and a subway station.

In September, a Brussels court sentenced these individuals to various prison terms, including life imprisonment.

These attacks occurred near the headquarters of NATO and the EU, and they were part of a series of attacks in Europe claimed by the Islamic State group.

The Brussels police confirmed that the victims of this recent shooting were believed to be Swedish nationals.