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Brussels attack update: Murder suspect of Swedish nationals gunned down by Belgian police

In a shocking incident that has left Europe on edge, two Swedish nationals were tragically killed and another injured in a terrorist attack in Brussels. The attack took place just a stone’s throw away from the King Baudoin Stadium, where the Belgium-Sweden Euro 2024 qualification match was being held. As authorities launch a manhunt for the assailant, who is still at large, the incident has sparked a wave of fear and concern across the continent.

The attacker, believed to be motivated by the Islamic State organization, claimed responsibility for the act in a video uploaded on social media. The incident has prompted French President Emmanuel Macron to declare that “Europe has been shaken.” With the assailant armed and dangerous, Belgian officials are on high alert, urging citizens to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary travel.

The incident comes in the wake of a series of Islamist attacks in Belgium, including the 2016 bombings at Brussels airport and metro station. As the investigation unfolds and authorities work tirelessly to apprehend the suspect, the tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat of terrorism in Europe.

To learn more about the Brussels terrorist attack and its impact, read the full article Brussels attack update: Murder suspect of Swedish nationals gunned down by Belgian police.

Brussels Terrorist Incident

The terrorist incident in Brussels has sent shockwaves through Europe, highlighting the ongoing threat of violence and terrorism.

Attack Details

The attack took place on Boulevard d’Ypres, just a few kilometers away from the King Baudoin Stadium, where the Belgium-Sweden Euro 2024 qualification match was being held. Two Swedish nationals were tragically killed, and another was injured in the incident. The attacker, who is still at large, is believed to have used an assault weapon.

Response and Investigation

Following the attack, Belgian officials launched a terrorist investigation to identify the assailant and gather evidence. The police are on high alert as they continue their search for the attacker. The game was canceled due to the ongoing investigation, and Belgian authorities advised citizens to be cautious and avoid unnecessary travel.

French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his solidarity with Belgium, stating that “Europe has been shaken” by the incident. The attacker claimed to be motivated by the Islamic State organization and took responsibility for the attack in a video uploaded on social media. Another video showed an individual speaking in Arabic, claiming to have carried out the act in the name of God and having killed three people, although the identity of the third victim remains unknown.

CCTV footage emerged, showing the attacker arriving on a scooter and entering a neighboring business with an assault weapon. He was seen shooting at least one victim inside the establishment. The two victims who were killed were wearing Swedish national team football jerseys.

In a subsequent development, the suspected shooter, a 45-year-old Tunisian man who identified himself as Abdesalem Al Guilani and claimed to be an Islamic State member, was shot by police at a cafe. He had also injured another Swedish person in his attack. It was later revealed that the suspect had unsuccessfully applied for asylum in Belgium in 2019, was residing there illegally, and was known to police in connection with people smuggling.

The incident in Brussels comes shortly after a teacher was stabbed to death in northern France, which President Macron referred to as “barbaric Islamic terrorism.”

Belgium and Sweden united in their response to the incident, with the Euro 2024 qualifying match being canceled. The Swedish team informed UEFA that they did not wish to continue playing, and the Belgian team agreed. As detectives gathered evidence, armed police stood watch outside the suspect’s flat in the Brussels district of Schaerbeek. The European Commission advised employees to work from home, and several schools were closed as a precautionary measure.

Belgium has unfortunately experienced multiple Islamist attacks in recent years, including the 2016 attack on Brussels airport and the city’s metro, which claimed the lives of 32 people.

Shooter’s Motivation and Identity

Claimed Responsibility and Motivation

The shooter in the Brussels terrorist incident claimed responsibility for the attack and stated his motivation in videos uploaded on social media. He claimed to be motivated by the Islamic State organization, aligning himself with their extremist ideology. In one video, he explicitly stated that he carried out the act in the name of God. This highlights the dangerous influence of extremist ideologies and the potential for individuals to be radicalized.

Identification and Background

The shooter has been identified as a 45-year-old Tunisian man named Abdesalem Al Guilani. He had applied for asylum in Belgium in 2019 but was unsuccessful in his application. He was residing in Belgium illegally and was known to police in connection with people smuggling. This background information sheds light on the potential factors that may have contributed to his radicalization and involvement in the terrorist attack.

The identification of the shooter and his background highlights the importance of effective immigration and asylum processes, as well as the need for robust intelligence and law enforcement efforts to identify and monitor individuals who may pose a threat to public safety.

Aftermath and Impact

Match Cancellation and Sensible Response

As a result of the terrorist incident in Brussels, the Belgium-Sweden Euro 2024 qualification match was canceled. The Swedish team informed UEFA that they did not wish to continue playing, and the Belgian team agreed. This decision was made in light of the ongoing police investigation and the need to prioritize the safety and well-being of the players and spectators.

The cancellation of the match demonstrates a sensible and responsible response to the incident. It sends a message that the authorities take the threat of terrorism seriously and are committed to ensuring the security of individuals involved in public events.

Increased Security Measures and Previous Attacks

In the aftermath of the Brussels terrorist incident, Belgian officials have implemented increased security measures to protect the public. Police and emergency services closed off neighboring roads, and armed police have been stationed outside the suspect’s flat in the Brussels district of Schaerbeek. The European Commission has advised employees to work from home, and several schools have been temporarily closed.

Belgium has unfortunately experienced multiple Islamist attacks in recent years, including the 2016 attack on Brussels airport and the city’s metro, which claimed the lives of 32 people. These previous attacks have heightened the vigilance and preparedness of Belgian authorities in responding to such incidents.

The increased security measures and the response to previous attacks reflect the ongoing threat of terrorism and the need for proactive measures to prevent and mitigate such incidents. It also underscores the importance of international cooperation in sharing intelligence and implementing effective counterterrorism strategies.

**Trigger Warning: This article contains references to gun shootings and violence.**

On Monday night, a terrorist incident occurred in Brussels, resulting in the death of two Swedish nationals and the injury of another. The incident took place near the King Baudoin Stadium, where the Belgium-Sweden Euro 2024 qualification match was being held. The game was canceled as the police continue to investigate the attacker, who is still at large. Belgian officials have launched a terrorist investigation and are on high alert. The assailant, who claimed to be motivated by the Islamic State organization, posted a video on social media taking responsibility for the attack. CCTV footage shows the attacker entering a neighboring business and shooting at least one victim. The suspect, a 45-year-old Tunisian, was later shot by police at a cafe. He had applied for asylum in Belgium unsuccessfully in 2019 and was known to police in connection with people smuggling. The incident has led to increased security measures in Belgium, with the cancellation of the football match and advice for citizens to be cautious. The European Commission has recommended employees to work from home, and schools have been closed. Belgium has experienced multiple Islamist attacks in recent years, including the 2016 attack on Brussels airport and metro.

Thank you for reading this article. Please take care of yourself and stay safe.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened in the terrorist incident in Brussels?

On Monday night, two Swedish nationals were killed and another was injured in a terrorist incident on Boulevard d’Ypres in Brussels. The incident occurred near the King Baudoin Stadium, where the Belgium-Sweden Euro 2024 qualification match was taking place.

Was the game canceled due to the incident?

Yes, the game was canceled due to the ongoing police investigation into the attacker, who is still at large.

What is the status of the terrorist investigation?

Prosecutors have launched a terrorist investigation and are searching for clues to identify the attacker. Belgian officials are on high alert as the assailant, who is believed to have used an assault weapon, is still on the loose.

What response has been given by French President Emmanuel Macron?

French President Emmanuel Macron stated that “Europe has been shaken” by the incident. The assailant, who claimed to be motivated by the Islamic State organization, took responsibility for the incident in a video uploaded on social media.

What measures have been taken in response to the incident?

Following the incident, the Belgium-Sweden Euro 2024 qualifying match was canceled. Belgian officials have advised citizens to be extra cautious and avoid unnecessary travel. The European Commission has recommended employees to work from home, and several schools have been closed. Armed police are guarding the suspect’s flat in the Brussels district of Schaerbeek as detectives gather evidence.

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