Belgian Intelligence have indications of a possible attack in Bruxelles during Ramadan. In the coming weeks, police officers and troops will maintain tightened supervision at sidewalk cafes, schools and hospitals.
At the request of the police, the leadership of the Belgian Armed Forces has briefed all soldiers who have been playing a part in ensuring security on the street since the attacks of 22 March to be extra vigilant when they are deployed in the capital.
There they have been ordered to maintain tightened supervision at all Bruxelles sidewalk cafes -- which are attracting more people because of the Football European Championship -- and around schools and hospitals, as, according to new information, these are potential targets for a new attack in the Bruxelles-Capital Region during Ramadan. The Islamic period of fasting started last week and will continue until 5 July, inclusive.
Threat Level
In spite of the indications, the level of threat is not being raised from 3 to 4 for the time being. The very highest level is only reached when there is the question of a particular time and a specific location for an attack. A result of this would also be that public life in Bruxelles came to a close, with a lockdown, as it did after the last attacks.
For the time being, there is no major panic among our Intelligence. For a number of strategic locations, such as particular embassies, the terror alert has even been lowered from 3 (serious threat) to 2+ (average threat). If the threat increases nonetheless then up to 1,500 troops may be deployed. At present, that number is constantly fluctuating.
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