Brussels, 7th February 2025 – A fresh wave of deadly shootings in Brussels has sparked growing concerns over the ability of law enforcement to contain escalating drug-related violence.
In the early hours of Friday morning, a man was shot dead in the Peterbos district of Anderlecht, marking the latest in a series of violent incidents in the Belgian capital. The attack follows multiple shootings in recent days, fuelling fears that criminal gangs are waging open warfare on the streets.
The shooting occurred around 4:00 a.m. and was confirmed by local authorities. “There was another shooting incident last night, this time in Peterbos,” stated Brussels South police spokesperson Sarah Frederickx. “One person was fatally wounded. The victim has not yet been identified, and investigators are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack.”
Forensic teams recovered at least seventeen bullet casings near the victim’s body, suggesting a sustained attack rather than an isolated gunshot. As of now, no arrests have been made.
A City Under Siege?

CCTV footage outside Brussels metro station
The latest incident in Anderlecht is part of a broader trend of rising violence across Brussels. This marks the third consecutive night of shootings, with earlier attacks taking place near Clemenceau metro station. Additionally, on Wednesday night, two people were wounded in another shooting in Saint-Josse-ten-Noode, an area already struggling with organised crime activity.
So far, authorities have not confirmed whether these attacks are linked, but ongoing investigations are exploring possible connections between the incidents. Judicial sources suggest the shootings could be part of a widening territorial dispute between rival drug gangs operating in Brussels.
This recent escalation of violence has raised serious questions about the effectiveness of police efforts to maintain order in the city. The incidents have occurred in some of the capital’s most notorious crime hotspots, including Peterbos and Clemenceau, both of which are longstanding hubs for drug trafficking.
The Drug Trade: A Root Cause of the Violence?
Belgian authorities have long struggled to combat rising drug-related crime, particularly in urban areas where criminal organisations operate with increasing boldness. According to judicial sources, the latest surge in violence could be linked to a dispute over stolen narcotics, with rival gangs vying for control over lucrative trafficking routes.
Peterbos and Clemenceau are known for their entrenched drug trade networks, where dealers openly sell narcotics despite repeated police crackdowns. The area’s proximity to major transport hubs, including the Brussels-South railway station, has made it a key transit point for drug shipments moving across Belgium and into neighbouring France and the Netherlands.
While investigators are examining a potential gang war, the Brussels prosecutor’s office has cautioned against jumping to conclusions. “At this stage, it is too early to confirm a motive. Investigations are ongoing, and all possibilities remain open,” a spokesperson stated.
Government Scrambles to Respond
Amid growing concerns over security, Belgium’s federal government is stepping up police operations in the capital. Interior Minister Bernard Quintin (MR) and Justice Minister Annelies Verlinden (CD&V) announced on Friday that additional officers will be deployed to the city in an effort to curb the violence.
Speaking ahead of a high-level security meeting, Quintin admitted that authorities were facing a serious security challenge. “The rise in shootings is alarming. We will not allow Brussels to become a battleground for organised crime,” he said.
Among the immediate measures being introduced:
- Increased police presence in public areas, particularly metro stations and known crime hotspots.
- Deployment of federal police reinforcements to Brussels, specifically targeting high-crime areas in Anderlecht.
- Enhanced coordination between police, judicial authorities, and drug enforcement units to dismantle criminal networks.
Thursday saw a noticeable increase in police patrols within metro stations, while on Friday, federal police reserves were called in to bolster security operations in Anderlecht.
A Worsening Crisis?
Despite these measures, critics argue that the government’s response has been reactive rather than proactive. For years, Brussels has struggled with rising drug-related crime, with authorities failing to prevent gangs from gaining a firm foothold in certain districts.
Security analysts warn that the current surge in violence could signal a broader deterioration of law and order, particularly if police resources are stretched too thin to effectively combat organised crime.
In recent years, Belgian law enforcement has repeatedly called for more funding and personnel to tackle the country’s growing drug trade. Many officers complain of being understaffed and underfunded, leaving them unable to properly monitor crime-ridden areas.
Meanwhile, local residents in affected districts say they feel increasingly abandoned by authorities, with gang-related violence becoming a regular occurrence. “This is not just one incident. It’s been getting worse for years,” said one resident of Peterbos, who asked to remain anonymous. “The police come after something happens, but nothing changes.”
What Comes Next?
With no arrests made and police investigations ongoing, the question remains: has law enforcement lost control of Brussels’ streets?
The federal government has vowed swift action, but with criminal networks deeply embedded in the city, dismantling them will require more than just a short-term increase in police presence.
For now, Brussels remains on edge, as a city grappling with the grim realities of organised crime.
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Brussels Grapples with Escalating Drug Violence as Authorities Step Up Response