Belgium: Potential transportation delays after explosion at Brussels Central Station June 20 /update 2

Event

Belgian police shot dead a suspected suicide bomber at Brussels Central Station, forcing an evacuation of the station as well as the nearby Grand Place square, after an explosion was reported at approximately 20:30 (local time) Tuesday, June 20. Other than the assailant, no casualties were reported. The national rail company SNCB (also known as NMBS) subsequently suspended all rail traffic between Brussels North and Brussels South stations but has since reopened rail traffic apart from at Central Station. It is unclear if residual delays will impact rail and other transportation networks on Wednesday, June 21. A heavy security presence remains in place.

Context

Belgium remains on high alert for incidents of domestic and international terrorism after coordinated attacks at Brussels-Zaventem International Airport and the Maalbeek metro station on March 22, 2016, killed over 30 people and wounded more than 300 others. The Islamic State (IS) militant group claimed responsibility for both attacks. The national threat level is currently at "three," the second-highest.

Advice

Individuals in Brussels are advised to monitor the situation, remain vigilant, and report any suspicious objects or behavior to the local authorities. Anticipate residual transportation delays.