Drug Violence Tightens Its Grip on Brussels
19th December 2025
Brussels is experiencing a sharp rise in violence, with multiple explosions and shootings reported over just five days in the Saint-Gilles municipality. The latest incident occurred on Wednesday evening on Rue du Céleri, near Place de Bethléem—a known hotspot for drug activity. Authorities confirmed that the street was cordoned off and that only material damage occurred. The Belgian army’s bomb disposal unit (DOVO) and police attended the scene, and an investigation is underway to determine the circumstances of the explosion.
This followed a Tuesday night blast in nearby Rue de Bosnie, believed to have been caused by fireworks. While it remains unclear whether the two incidents are connected, Saint-Gilles has also been the scene of two shootings this week. The first shooting took place last Saturday at around 3 a.m. on Rue du Métal, near the Parvis de Saint-Gilles. The second occurred on Monday at approximately 5 a.m. on Rue de Prague, only a few hundred meters from the first. In both cases, windows were hit, putting nearby residents—including children—at risk. Local authorities suspect the attacks were targeted. Mayor Jean Spinette explained that the area is home to two young individuals known to police and that authorities have previously restricted their access to certain streets to curb drug-related activity.
The surge in violence comes amid broader concerns about public safety in Brussels. According to police figures, the capital has seen 96 shootings in 2025—already surpassing last year’s total of 92. These incidents have resulted in eight deaths, and 48 injuries, compared to 43 last year. Only three years ago, in 2022, Brussels recorded 56 shootings, highlighting the rapid escalation of violence.