Brussels: Kalashnikov, fires and arrests after Morocco’s victory

The convincing victory of the Atlas Lions against Zambia (3-0) brought many supporters to the streets of Brussels, but the situation quickly deteriorated in the Étangs Noirs neighborhood. According to information confirmed by the police, scenes of urban violence broke out: trash cans were set on fire, particularly at the roundabout on the Chaussée de Gand, and fireworks were fired dangerously close to cars. Even more worrying, images circulating on social media show individuals on scooters displaying a Kalashnikov in the middle of the street.

The police forces of the West Brussels zone, supported by the South Brussels zone, had to intervene to restore public order. Calm did not return until just after midnight. While the firefighters confirm that there were no injuries, they still had to intervene on eight outdoor fires in the region. One person was the subject of an administrative arrest and the identification of the other perpetrators is ongoing with the help of surveillance cameras.

These incidents are worrying the authorities as the New Year’s Eve and the next Morocco match, scheduled for January 4, approach. The police have already announced that specific security measures, based on risk analyses, will be maintained for the upcoming events.