Brussels Terror-Attack (Belgium)
Channel: Q&A News
Date: 2023-10-17

On Monday the 16th of October 2023 at approximately 19:00 local time. A horrifying terrorist attack unfolded in Brussels, where a heavily armed assailant opened fire into a crowd, resulting in the tragic deaths of two Swedish nationals and the injury of a third person. Belgian prosecutors have officially classified the incident as an act of terrorism. As a result of this shocking act, the Belgium-Sweden Euro 2024 qualifier football match was abruptly abandoned, and Brussels has been placed on the highest terror alert.

The assailant responsible for this heinous act has been identified as a 45-year-old male named Abdesalem Lassoued. He is believed to be armed with an AK-47 assault rifle and is currently evading authorities, remaining at large. In response to this alarming situation, a terrorism inquiry has been initiated, and law enforcement agencies have issued a pressing call to the public, urging them to report any sightings of the suspect.

The incident unfolded in the midst of the Belgium-Sweden Euro 2024 qualifier football match, leading to its abandonment and the evacuation of the stadium. Two Swedish nationals lost their lives, and another individual was injured in the attack, which occurred on the Boulevard d'Ypres around 19:00 local time. The victims were reportedly wearing Swedish national team football shirts, highlighting the senseless loss of lives during a sporting event meant for enjoyment and camaraderie.

Brussels has been placed on the highest terror alert following the attack. Belgian authorities have urged the public to stay at home until the threat is eradicated. Federal prosecutor Eric van Duyse conveyed that the assailant claimed inspiration from the Islamic State group in a video posted on social media. In the video, the attacker declared that the act was carried out in the name of God, and he claimed responsibility for the deaths of three people. The authenticity of the video and others posted during the attack is currently under verification by the police.

French President Emmanuel Macron, who was visiting Albania at the time, expressed his shock, stating, "Europe has been shaken" by the incident. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen offered her heartfelt support to the victims' families and called for the swift apprehension of the suspect. Swedish footballers participating in the match expressed their unwillingness to continue playing, and the Belgian team agreed with their decision, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

Belgian Prime Minister Alexander de Croo expressed his condolences to the Swedish Prime Minister and emphasized the shared commitment to combating terrorism as close partners.

In a Facebook message prior to the attack, the assailant expressed allegiance to the Islamic State and declared the group's intent to persist despite legal restrictions. The message included the ominous statement: "We live for our religion, and we die for our religion."

In the midst of this tragedy, it is essential to remember that acts of terror and violence are condemned by the vast majority of religious and moral frameworks. The Holy Quran, in verse 5:32, emphasizes the sanctity of human life and the prohibition of taking an innocent life. It states that taking one innocent life is akin to destroying all of humanity, and saving one life is equivalent to saving all of humanity.

It is crucial to recognize that the actions of the Brussels shooter do not represent the beliefs or values of the broader Muslim community. The vast majority of Muslims worldwide reject terrorism and violence, and they adhere to the principles of peace, tolerance, and the preservation of human life.

"The welfare of the people is the ultimate law." - Cicero

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