Soldiers shoot knife attacker in Brussels
Three soldiers killed a man who came at them with a knife in central Brussels on Friday night, and the attack by the 30-year-old is being treated as terrorism
Rules of engagement
The attack took place on Emile Jacqmainlaan in central Brussels shortly after 20.00, when the man, a 30-year-old from Somalia, came at three patrolling soldiers brandishing a knife. According to witnesses, he shouted “Allahu akbar” twice.
One soldier suffered an injury to his hand. The soldiers then shot the man, and he died later in hospital.
Brussels mayor Philippe Close said the attack was “an isolated incident involving one individual”. The attacker was said to be known to the authorities but not in connection with terrorism. He was in the country legally with a permanent address in Bruges, but Bruges mayor Renaat Landuyt said he had not been seen at his address for four months.
While the attack is being treated as terrorism by the federal prosecutor’s office, the shooting will be investigated by the Brussels prosecutor – a routine procedure in all cases where military personnel use their weapons.
On Friday, the office said it was treating the incident as “shots fired in keeping with the rules of engagement, and within the legal definition of self-defence”. The man was also in possession of a replica firearm and two copies of the Koran.
Prime minister Charles Michel and federal home affairs minister Jan Jambon have both expressed their support for the security services on Twitter. “My support for the military and police personnel in Brussels,” Jambon said. “Full support for our troops. Our security services remain alert,” said Michel.
Speaking on behalf of the Somali community in Belgium, cross-country runner Bashir Abdi said he hoped the incident would not affect relations with the community. “All of us fled our country because of violence, to come here to safety and a better life,” he said. “And now this happens. We are very upset.”
A broad security zone was set up at the scene on Friday, causing some disruption to public transport, and there was an increased security presence at the City Parade dance music festival at the weekend. The terrorist threat level remains unchanged at level three.
Photo: Olivier Gouallec/BELGA
