Tuesday afternoon, the Brussels metro experienced significant disruptions due to a bomb threat that prompted a police investigation in the city’s heart. According to a spokesperson from metro operator STIB, three stations—De Brouckere, Bourse, and Anneessens—were closed as a precautionary measure.
“The alert started around 3:35 p.m. and while metro service remains operational, trains are not stopping at the affected stations,” the spokesperson clarified.
Police investigation continues
Linda Camarero-Verde, a spokesperson for the Brussels capital police, confirmed that the search remains active at De Brouckere and Anneessens stations. However, the security perimeter surrounding Bourse and the Palace cinema has been lifted, indicating some easing of the situation.
Concerns over violence in Brussels
Brussels has faced a series of challenges with terrorism, shootings, and escalating drug-related violence in recent years. In 2023 alone, the city has recorded over a dozen shootings, resulting in at least two fatalities. This troubling trend follows a previous year that witnessed 92 shootings and nine deaths, highlighting ongoing safety concerns.
The recent bomb threat comes on the heels of an announcement from Belgian Interior Minister Bernard Quintin, who revealed plans to consolidate the six existing police zones in Brussels into a single entity. This move aims to enhance efforts to combat the rampant drug violence plaguing the city.
“The alert started around 3:35 p.m. and while metro service remains operational, trains are not stopping at the affected stations,”
This story is currently being updated as more information becomes available.