Supplemental Info:

BACKGROUND

Muslims are the second-largest religious group in Belgium, with estimates suggesting they comprise as much as 10% of the population.

The majority are of Moroccan and Turkish descent, with growing communities from other regions like the Middle East and South Asia. Most live in urban areas, particularly Brussels, Antwerp, and Liège.

Belgium has a documented history of violence linked to Islamist extremism, particularly from the 1990s onward, involving terrorist attacks, plots, and radicalization networks.

• Belgium became Europe's top per-capita source of foreign fighters to Syria/Iraq (around 500-550 by 2015), fueling returnee plots.

• 2015 Thalys Train Attack: Ayoub El Khazzani, a Moroccan who boarded in Brussels after time in Syria, wounded three on a Paris-bound train before being subdued.

• 2015 Paris Attacks Link: Salah Abdeslam, a Belgian-Moroccan from Molenbeek, aided the November attacks that killed 130 in Paris.

• 2016 Brussels Bombings: ISIS claimed responsibility for suicide bombings at Zaventem Airport and Maelbeek Metro, killing 32 and injuring over 300.

• 2023 Brussels Shooting: A self-proclaimed Tunisian Islamist killed two Swedish citizens in a targeted attack, motivated by ISIS propaganda. The perpetrator was later killed by police.

• Ongoing Threat: Belgium's security services identify homegrown Islamist lone actors as the primary risk, with Salafist networks (around 100 organizations) promoting extremism but not always tied to violence.

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Security Alert: U.S. Embassy Brussels

October 6, 2025

Due to the anniversary of the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks in Israel and out of an abundance of caution, U.S. citizens are advised to remain vigilant, maintain heightened situational awareness, and practice good personal security measures.

The U.S. Embassy Brussels will continue to review the security situation and provide additional information as needed.

Actions to Take:

• Be aware of your surroundings.

• Avoid all demonstrations and protests.

• Monitor local media.

• Follow the instructions of local authorities.

• Enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) . STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates and makes it easier for the U.S. Embassy to contact you in an emergency.

Assistance:

• U.S. Embassy in Belgium, located at 27 Boulevard du Regent/Regentlaan, 1000 Brussels. Tel. +32-2-811-4000, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Monday through Friday, except U.S. and Belgian holidays. After-hours emergency number for U.S. citizens is +32-2-811-4000; USCitizenBrussels@state.gov .

• To contact the State Department in an emergency, dial 1-888-407-4747 toll-free from within the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries.

• Belgium Country Information .

• Follow us on X and Facebook .

View the Original:

https://be.usembassy.gov/security-alert-u-s-embassy-brussels-october-6-2025/