Two Swedish Nationals Killed in Brussels Attack, ISIS Claims Responsibility
On Monday night, two Swedish nationals were tragically shot to death in central Brussels, with a third person sustaining injuries. Shortly after the incident, a man claiming to be a member of the Islamic State (ISIS) took responsibility for the attack in a video shared online. The suspected assailant fled the scene while a football match between Belgium and Sweden was about to commence, leading to a large-scale manhunt and the escalation of Belgium’s terror alert to its highest level.
The Belgian federal prosecutor has stated that there is currently no evidence linking the attacker, who remains at large, to the recent conflict between Israel and Palestinian militants. Instead, it is believed that the victims’ Swedish nationality was the likely motive behind the attack.
The individual claiming responsibility for the shooting identified himself as Abdesalem Al Guilani, asserting in a social media video that he was fighting for Allah. The federal prosecutor revealed that the third victim, a taxi driver, sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
In light of the situation, the prosecutor has urged residents of Brussels to stay indoors until the threat subsides, and European Commission staff have also been advised to remain indoors. Belgian Prime Minister Alexander de Croo expressed his condolences to the Swedish Prime Minister on social media and emphasized the joint fight against terrorism.
The Swedish government is actively collaborating with Belgian authorities to gather more information about the incident, and all Swedes in Belgium will receive text messages urging them to remain vigilant and follow instructions from local authorities.
Reports suggest that the victims may have been soccer supporters, as Belgium was hosting Sweden in a Euro 2024 qualifying match that was subsequently suspended due to security concerns. Belgium’s interior minister has confirmed that the investigation is being handled by a federal prosecutor, considering a potential terrorist motive.
This attack occurs amid heightened security concerns in certain European countries associated with the Israel-Hamas conflict. France, for instance, is deploying an additional 7,000 troops following a fatal stabbing that President Emmanuel Macron condemned as barbaric Islamic terrorism.
Video footage captured during the incident and posted online shows a man in an orange jacket riding a scooter at a street intersection, firing multiple shots before fleeing into a building. A witness reported hearing the shooter shout Allahu Akbar before the gunfire.
The self-declared perpetrator, Abdesalem Al Guilani, provided a transcript of a video message, stating that he is a fighter for Allah from the Islamic State and that the attack was carried out in revenge for Muslims. He claimed to have killed three Swedes and expressed forgiveness for those he harmed.
Following the attack, Belgium’s crisis center has advised the public to avoid unnecessary trips in the capital. France has also tightened controls at its border with Belgium as a precautionary measure.
This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing threat of terrorism and the importance of international cooperation in addressing this global challenge. The authorities will continue their efforts to apprehend the suspect and ensure the safety of the public.
In conclusion, the shooting in Brussels that claimed the lives of two Swedish nationals has been claimed by ISIS. Belgian authorities are actively investigating the incident, and additional security measures have been implemented to protect the public. The international community stands united in the fight against terrorism and will continue working together to maintain peace and security.
