Brussels Mayor Condemns Gang Violence After Series of Explosions in Suburb

(MENAFN) According to reports, a series of suspected gang-related explosions has struck a suburb of Brussels in recent days, prompting local authorities to raise alarm over rising criminal violence.

At least five blasts have been reported in the Saint-Gilles district, a busy area of the Belgian capital that is also home to many European Union staff. The most recent explosion occurred shortly after midnight on Saturday outside a shisha bar, damaging the building and nearby homes, while also breaking windows in a nearby school. No injuries were reported.

Local officials described the incidents as part of a growing pattern of violence linked to organized criminal groups. The mayor of Saint-Gilles said the situation reflects escalating conflict between rival drug networks and called for additional police and judicial support to restore public safety.

He said the violence has become increasingly frequent, involving shootings and explosions in quick succession, and warned that the situation is placing significant pressure on the municipality. The damage to the school was described as particularly alarming, highlighting the impact on civilian infrastructure.

The mayor also characterized the situation as serious organized crime linked to territorial disputes between competing groups, warning that fear is being used as a tool to assert control in affected neighborhoods.

Reports indicate that Brussels has seen a notable rise in firearms-related incidents in recent years, with dozens of shootings recorded and several resulting in injuries and fatalities.

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