Belgium: Increased security in Brussels ahead of World Cup games

Event

Brussels authorities have increased security measures throughout Brussels ahead of the broadcast of soccer World Cup games involving the Belgian national team. Security officials in Brussels have also reportedly banned the broadcast of games in public areas (e.g. on large outdoor screens) to limit large gatherings. On Monday, June 18, the US Embassy in Brussels issued a security alert advising US citizens to avoid large crowds during the broadcast of the games due to a heightened threat of terrorist attacks. Belgium's first match is also taking place on June 18.

Context

On November 11, 2017, riots erupted in central Brussels following Morocco's World Cup-qualifying win against Côte d'Ivoire, injuring 22 policemen. Local businesses were vandalized and two vehicles were set on fire.

Belgian authorities reclassified the national terror threat level to two (medium risk) out of a possible four on January 22. The alert had been at level three (serious risk) since March 2016, when two terrorist bombings claimed by the Islamic State (IS) left 32 civilians dead and 300 more injured in central Brussels and at Brussels Airport.

Advice

Individuals in Brussels are advised to avoid all large gatherings as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.