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Brussels shooting live: Swedes abroad warned of terror attacks after country becomes ‘target among jihadists’

Swedish PM said Monday night’s attack in Brussels was “aimed at Sweden and Swedish citizens”.

Maroosha Muzaffar,Athena Stavrou
Tuesday 17 October 2023 13:31 BST
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Emergency services on scene after two people shot dead in Brussels

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Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson called on the European Union to bolster border controls and internal security after a gunman killed two Swedes in Brussels on Monday.

A 45-year-old Tunisian terror suspect opened fire and killed two Swedish football fans. He died on Tuesday after being shot by police in a cafe.

Footage shared online showed a man dressed in an orange jacket unloading several shots, using a large weapon. The bearded man was reportedly seen leaving the crime scene on a scooter.

After the shooting suspect Abdesalem Lassoued posted a video on Facebook about the killings, claiming he was a member of Islamic State (IS) and had killed “three Swedes so far”.

“All indications are that this is a terror attack aimed at Sweden and Swedish citizens only due to them being Swedish,” Kristersson told a news conference.

Sweden raised its terror alert to its second-highest level in August after Koran burnings and other acts in Sweden against Islam’s holiest text outraged Muslims and the government warned that the country had become a priority target among jihadists.

Sweden’s embassies urged nationals to exercise increased vigilance abroad while Swedes at home voiced concerns about safety.

Belgium stadium on lockdown with thousands of fans held inside after Brussels shooting

The Euro 2024 qualifier between Belgium and Sweden was suspended after a fatal shooting in Brussels.

Jack Rathborn has all the details.

Belgium stadium on lockdown with fans held after Brussels shooting

The Euro 2024 qualifier between Belgium and Sweden was suspended after a fatal shooting in Brussels

Graeme Massie16 October 2023 22:05

Gunman still at large in Brussels

A man suspected of shooting two Swedish nationals in Brussels as of around 11pm local time.

Footage shared online showed the man, who was wearing a bright orange jacket and white helmet, speeding away from the crime scene on a scooter.

The violent incident took place at around 7.15pm local time, according to authorities.

Mike Bedigan16 October 2023 22:03

Gunman at large after fatally shooting two people in Brussels

Authorities raised the terror alert to the highest level in the capital following the killing of two Swedish nationals.

Mike Bedigan has the story.

Gunman at large after fatally shooting two people in Brussels

Local media outlets said the two victims were Swedish nationals

Graeme Massie16 October 2023 21:57

Brussels shooting

This is a live blog covering the fatal shooting of two Swedes in Brussels, Belgium.

Graeme Massie16 October 2023 21:56

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