Belgian police shot and injured a suspect in a terror attack that killed two Swedish women in the city of Liège. The suspect, who was on parole for drug offenses, stabbed the officers before being fatally shot. The attack is being investigated as a potential act of terrorism, with reports suggesting the assailant might have been radicalized in prison.
Belgian police shot a suspect in a terror attack that tragically left two Swedes dead on Tuesday. The incident occurred in the city of Liège, where an unidentified individual opened fire on a cafe terrace, killing two Swedish women and injuring several others. The assailant then fled the scene and took a female cleaner hostage in a local high school.
Authorities launched a manhunt to apprehend the suspect, who was later identified as a 36-year-old Belgian national with a history of criminal offenses but no previous ties to terrorism. The hostage situation lasted for several hours before police managed to storm the building, killing the suspect.
The motive behind the attack remains unclear, and investigators are working to determine if the assailant had any accomplices or if he acted alone. The incident is being treated as a terrorist attack due to the indiscriminate nature of the shooting and the hostage-taking.
Belgium, which has been on high alert since the 2016 Brussels bombings, immediately increased security measures across the country, particularly in crowded areas and public spaces. The government expressed its condolences to the families of the victims and praised the swift response of the police in neutralizing the suspect.
The attack has once again raised concerns about the persistent threat of terrorism in Europe. Governments and security agencies continue to grapple with preventing such attacks and ensuring the safety of citizens, particularly in busy urban centers. The incident also highlights the need for enhanced intelligence sharing and cooperation between European countries to combat terrorism effectively.
As investigations into the attack continue, the focus remains on understanding the motives behind the assailant’s actions and preventing future incidents of violence. The tragic loss of innocent lives serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in the fight against terrorism.