Shortly after 2 a.m. on Saturday morning, a blast occurred in front of a house on Kistemaeckersstraat in Borgerhout, Antwerp. A fire broke out but was quickly extinguished by residents. Two people were taken to hospital for smoke inhalation.
The Belgian bomb disposal unit (DOVO) and the federal police’s forensic laboratory were called to the scene. Authorities believe the attack may be drug-related, but the exact motive remains under investigation.
The three suspects were apprehended in the Netherlands, following a rapid response. Antwerp police immediately shared descriptions of the vehicle and the suspects with Dutch authorities, leading to the arrests. The investigation is ongoing.
Antwerp has become a key entry point for drug shipments into Europe, and criminal organisations based there now operate networks across Belgium. Drug gangs often consist of young people with migrant backgrounds who struggle to find work in the traditional labour market and therefore turn to organised crime.
Public safety in Belgium has deteriorated to such an extent that many judges handling violent-crime cases live under police protection or in hiding. Belgian Minister of the Interior Bernard Quintin has previously said the government is expected to deploy military personnel to the streets of the capital, while police presence will be increased in major cities and €20 million worth of CCTV cameras will be installed nationwide.
