A surge of drug-related violence has once again shaken Brussels, as the municipality of Saint-Gilles recorded five serious incidents in just five days, including explosions and shootings. The events, concentrated around Place de Bethléem, have left residents fearful and authorities warning of an escalating crisis.
Mayor Jean Spinette described the situation as “a war between rival drug families.” He added: “It’s a war between these different drug-dealing networks, and they want to attack the families and family houses of those involved.” According to him, these attacks are acts of revenge and intimidation, often targeting relatives rather than the perpetrators themselves.
It began with an explosion on Rue de Métal early Sunday morning, followed by another blast on Rue de Prague shortly after midnight on Monday. Witnesses reported “a huge red fire glow” lighting up nearby buildings. Investigators later noted that the fire “was likely started deliberately given the traces of accelerant found at the scene.”
That same night, another incident occurred on Rue Gisbert Combaz, where firefighters responded to a blaze believed to have been caused by “an incendiary object.” Just ten minutes later, at around 4 a.m., a shooting took place on Rue de Bosnie, where bullets hit the windows of a restaurant, though the intended target was believed to be a nearby house.
The violence did not stop there. Days later, the same address on Rue de Bosnie was hit again by an explosion at around 2:25 a.m. According to emergency services, “damage was found to windows and parked vehicles,” with around ten cars affected.
The mayor has now called for support from Interior Minister Bernard Quintin, warning: “We cannot tolerate that. That must change. Enough is enough. But then we also need legal support.” He stressed that the violence is rooted in organised drug networks operating within the community, adding “people who hide things, who say nothing and who act as enablers” contribute to the persistence of the problem.
The crisis is not isolated to Saint-Gilles. In Cureghem, residents have issued an open letter warning of worsening drug-related violence and organised crime, blaming institutional neglect. Around 25,000 people live in the district, yet locals say they lack proper representation and protection.
According to Brussels police, the capital recorded 96 shootings in 2025, resulting in eight deaths—the highest annual total on record. Prosecutor Julien Moinil warned that “anyone, every Brussels resident and every citizen, can be hit by a stray bullet.”
Authorities, including Minister Quintin, have acknowledged the scale of the crisis, noting that “grenades and Molotov cocktails are being thrown” not only in Brussels but also in other Belgian cities. Plans to deploy soldiers onto the streets underline the seriousness of the situation.
Spinette concluded “This level of violence creates a sense of anxiety. We must all stand up and say enough is enough.”
