Brussels reinforces police after spate of shootings

BRUSSELS: Belgian authorities announced on Wednesday that they are increasing police numbers in the capital after a series of shooting incidents linked to drug trafficking gangs. The city, which houses the European Union's headquarters, has experienced an uptick in gun violence recently. Several people were wounded, and a police station was targeted in the incidents.

After a meeting with local and national officials, it was decided that 40 additional police officers would be deployed, and resources would be shifted to the neighborhoods most affected by the violence. Mobile cameras would also be utilized to aid in tracking any perpetrators, authorities said.

Interior Minister Bernard Quintin posted online that Belgium is currently facing a national emergency. He emphasized that the fight against organized crime must be a top priority for all agencies and government levels. Belgium is a significant gateway for drugs being smuggled into Europe, with the major port of Antwerp serving as a crucial entry point for criminal gangs. In recent years, there has been an increase in armed violence due to turf wars between rival drug gangs.