Title: The terrorist attack in Brussels: a cowardly and tragic act which recalls the importance of international cooperation
Introduction :
On Monday evening, Brussels was the scene of a tragic terrorist attack which claimed the lives of two Swedish nationals. This cowardly and baseless gesture was claimed by the Islamic State group on its Telegram channel. Although the Belgian police managed to arrest the suspect, he was shot dead during his arrest. This dramatic event once again highlights the terrorist threat that weighs on our societies and the importance of international cooperation to prevent it.
The context of the attack:
The attacker, a 45-year-old Tunisian, was staying illegally in Belgium after his asylum request was rejected in 2020. Despite an order to leave the territory, it was never executed. In addition, he had served a prison sentence in Sweden between 2012 and 2014. However, the exact details of this conviction are unknown. This sad reality highlights the flaws in the European asylum and security system, and raises questions about the need for better coordination between member countries.
The terrorist threat in Europe:
In recent years, Europe has faced a growing terrorist threat, with several attacks claimed by the Islamic State group. Belgium has already been hit by a deadly attack (35 dead) in March 2016 in Brussels. These tragic incidents highlight the urgency of strengthening security measures and improving surveillance of radicalized individuals. Civil society and governments must also redouble their efforts to combat radicalization and promote the values of tolerance and respect.
The response from the Belgian and Swedish authorities:
Following this attack, Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo stressed the need for better enforcement of expulsion decisions for people who do not have the right to protection. It is essential to put in place more restrictive measures to prevent dangerous individuals from remaining in the territory without being worried. For his part, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson condemned this terrorist act and called for increased vigilance in the face of the threat weighing on his country.
Conclusion :
The terrorist attack in Brussels is a reminder of the crucial importance of international cooperation in the fight against terrorism. Governments must work together to share information, strengthen security measures, and prevent radicalization. Stricter asylum and deportation policies are also needed to ensure everyone’s safety. Faced with this persistent threat, solidarity and collective vigilance remain our best assets to ensure peace and security in our societies.