Summary:

Belgian Interior Minister Bernard Quintin (MR) has announced a plan to combat drug-related violence in Brussels following a violent summer. He described the situation as “catastrophic” and emphasized the need to deploy military personnel in Brussels neighborhoods as part of the fight against drug crime, which he believes falls under national territory protection.

Police and military forces are expected to patrol together in metro stations and neighborhoods like Peterbos in Anderlecht and areas in Molenbeek, but details on the number of soldiers involved are not yet available.

The military union ACMP has raised concerns about the lack of a regulatory framework regarding the powers of soldiers patrolling domestically. Defense Minister Francken plans to address this in an upcoming cabinet meeting.

Last month, Brussels prosecutor Julien Moinil highlighted the challenges in combating drug violence, criticizing staff shortages, a lenient approach towards gang leaders, and insufficient attention to addiction care.