In a tragic incident early Thursday morning, two people were fatally shot and two others critically wounded near the Gare de Midi train station in Brussels. The shooting occurred between 1:00 and 2:00 a.m. in the Saint Gilles district, an area noted for its association with drug trafficking.
Local police reported that the attack took place outside a café, with the suspects fleeing the scene immediately afterward. Among the three individuals injured, two are in critical condition, while the third has stabilized, according to the Brussels police department.
Saint Gilles has been identified as one of 14 hotspots for drug-related activities in the Brussels region. However, authorities have not yet confirmed any direct connection between this shooting and the city’s illegal drug trade.
The rising trend of armed violence tied to drug trafficking rivalries has been a growing concern in Belgium. The country has witnessed a series of violent incidents, particularly in Brussels and Antwerp. Antwerp’s port has emerged as a significant entry point for cocaine smuggled into Europe from Latin America, leading to increased street violence.
Judicial officials are expected to release further information later on Thursday as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
