Panic in Brussels after a shooting near the metro

The Brussels police are searching for two armed men who opened fire near a metro station. The incident occurred around 6:00 AM (0500 GMT) at Clémenceau station, causing the suspension of several metro and tram lines, as well as the closure of the Midi train station in the southern part of the city.

Security footage shows the suspects

Surveillance cameras captured two masked individuals carrying automatic rifles outside the station. In the videos, at least one of the individuals fires their weapon. Another clip shows a large group of armed police officers at the station after launching a search for the perpetrators.

“The footage shows two individuals, one of them armed. The shots were fired into the air, and there were no injuries,” the police spokesperson told the AFP news agency.

Possible drug-related connection

According to local media, authorities believe the shooting is related to drug trafficking.

“The events are not linked to terrorism,” assured the police spokesperson.

The suspects escaped by entering the metro tunnels located beneath one of the city’s main train stations. The police are searching for at least two individuals, though more suspects are not ruled out.

Public transportation affected

As a result of the incident, metro lines 2 and 6 were closed between Trône and Gare de l’Ouest stations. Additionally, trams 4 and 10 were suspended between Lemonnier and Berkendael. The transportation company Stib also reported disruptions on several other lines.

Police operation in Anderlecht

The police set up a command post in the Anderlecht neighborhood, near the shooting scene. Belgium’s Interior Minister, Bernard Quintin, met with local authorities and posted on social media: “We are closely monitoring the situation.”

Witnesses recount the moment of terror

A resident told the VRT broadcaster that they heard five or six gunshots. Another witness said the event left her frightened.

“I came out and wondered what was happening. Is this a war? We have to take our children to school and use the metro. We are scared, yes.”

Increase in armed violence in Brussels

Brussels has seen a rise in gun-related crimes, especially due to clashes between drug trafficking gangs. According to police figures, last year recorded 89 shootings, resulting in nine fatalities.

(With information from AFP and EFE)