Belgium’s capital may once again see terror attacks beginning in June, as schools, hospitals and public places where people gather for Euro-2016 related events may be targeted by extremists during the Islamic Ramadan holiday, local media reports.
Information from security services on the possible terror threats was released in Het Laatste Nieuws (HLN), a Dutch newspaper.
Security services and police have deployed extra manpower on the streets of Brussels, while public places that are likely to be crowded during Euro-2016 related events have been put under additional surveillance, the paper says. Schools and hospitals are currently being constantly monitored as well.
The attacks could take place during Ramadan, which is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, according to the information obtained by HLN. This year Ramadan started on June 6 and will last until July 5.
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In May, Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS/ISIL) called on its followers to carry out terror attacks in the US and Europe during Ramadan. The message said that June should be made into a “month of calamity” for unbelievers all over the world.
Belgium has been on high alert since twin suicide bombings hit Brussels’ Airport and Maelbeek Metro station on March 22. The Metro station was not far from the building housing the EU Commission and the Council of the European Union, as well as NATO headquarters.
With a population of about 11 million people, Belgium has been the source of more Islamic State (IS formerly, ISIS/ISIL) recruits per capita than any other country in Europe, according to the United Nations Working Group.
Numerous raids have been held in a mainly Muslim area of Brussels called Molenbeek, which is often referred to as an “Islamist hotspot.” Many of the suspects involved in the Paris attacks grew up and lived in Molenbeek, including mastermind Abdelhamid Abaaoud, the Abdeslam brothers, and Mohamed Abrini, who was also involved in the Brussels attacks.