By Ben Kerrigan-
Two individuals were killed as a lone gunman opened fire on football fans wearing Swedish national team shirts during a European qualifier match between Sweden and Belgium.
The horrifying attack unfolded in the Belgian capital’s northern districts, sending shockwaves through Europe.
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The gunman, dressed in a fluorescent orange jacket, made a hasty escape on a scooter, prompting Belgium to raise its terror alert level to the highest – level four – in the Brussels region and level three nationwide.
The Belgian premier, Alexander De Croo, confirmed that the attack was specifically aimed at Swedish citizens.
“I have just offered my sincere condolences to the Swedish PM following tonight’s harrowing attack on Swedish citizens in Brussels,” De Croo expressed on social media. “Our thoughts are with the families and friends who lost their loved ones. As close partners, the fight against terrorism is a joint one.”
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The victims, both wearing Swedish national team football shirts, became targets of this chilling assault that disrupted the Group F European qualifier match.
The game, set to be a thrilling showdown between Sweden and Belgium, was suspended at half-time due to the unsettling incident. Belgian media reported that the Swedish players were understandably reluctant to continue the game after the attack.
A video surfaced on social media featuring a man speaking Arabic and claiming responsibility for the shooting. The federal prosecutor, responsible for terrorism cases, swiftly initiated an investigation into the matter.
The Brussels police were alerted to the incident just after 7 pm local time.
The scene of the shooting was cordoned off as police began their inquiry, and multiple metro stations in Brussels were closed for security reasons.
The assailant was captured on camera, carrying an automatic weapon, as he fled the scene on a scooter. Four gunshots rang out in the video, a chilling testament to the gravity of the situation.
Belgium and France, both of which have previously been targets of terror attacks, found themselves collaborating once again in the face of terror. French President Emmanuel Macron promptly labeled the incident as an “Islamist” attack, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. The French interior minister took steps to reinforce border controls with Belgium to prevent any potential threats.
Brussels, often considered the heart of Europe, is home to several EU offices, including the European Commission, the European Council, and the European Parliament. This tragic attack underscores the persistent challenges Europe faces in its ongoing battle against terror.
In a time when unity and vigilance are paramount, Europe stands united in mourning the lives lost and seeking justice for the victims of this despicable act.
The investigation continues, as Europe remains on high alert, refusing to yield to the darkness that seeks to engulf it.
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