Mass Stabbing Attack at Kurdish Demonstration in Antwerp Leaves Multiple Casualties
Six individuals have sustained injuries, two of them in a critical condition, following a mass stabbing incident during a Kurdish protest in the Belgian city of Antwerp. The violent episode unfolded near the bustling Operaplein square at approximately 7.20pm on Thursday evening, sending shockwaves through the local community and prompting a swift police response.
Police Investigation and Arrests Underway
Law enforcement authorities have confirmed the arrest of four individuals in direct connection with the stabbing attack. However, police spokesperson Wouter Bruyns stated that investigators are still working to determine a clear motive behind the assault. Officers are meticulously reviewing closed-circuit television footage from the area to ensure no additional suspects have managed to evade capture.
The stabbings occurred amidst a demonstration organised by the local Kurdish community, where participants were seen waving Kurdish and PKK flags. It is understood that the protest attracted around 300 attendees, including families with young children, who had gathered to express solidarity with Kurds in northern Syria. These communities have been engaged in conflict against advancing government forces in the region.
Eyewitness Accounts Describe Chaotic Scene
According to preliminary findings from the investigation, the suspects are believed to have infiltrated the demonstration before launching their attack. Orhan Kilic, a spokesperson for Navbel, an organisation representing the Kurdish diaspora in Belgium, provided a harrowing account of the events.
'Just as the protest was disbanding, the Kurdish demonstrators were attacked by a group of men,' Kilic explained. 'These men had sneaked into the demonstration and suddenly pulled out knives and began stabbing people indiscriminately. It is clear that this attack is not an isolated instance of senseless violence, but a motivated attack on a community.'
Witnesses at the scene described moments of sheer panic and confusion as the violence erupted. One observer recounted to The Sun newspaper: 'People were running in every direction; it was pure chaos.' Another local resident added: 'I saw the commotion from my window, but it was still scary. I saw one of the victims lying on the ground, receiving help from the paramedics. He could only move his arm weakly.'
Police Classify Incident as Attempted Murder
Despite the apparent targeting of a specific community gathering, Belgian police have stated that the incident is currently being investigated as a case of attempted murder rather than terrorism. This classification indicates the ongoing complexity of the case as authorities continue their inquiries into the attackers' intentions and backgrounds.
Broader Context of Kurdish Displacement in Syria
The protest in Antwerp took place against a backdrop of significant upheaval in Kurdish regions of Syria. According to United Nations estimates, more than 134,000 people have been displaced in northeast Syria following recent clashes and a fragile ceasefire agreement between government troops and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces.
Facing considerable military and political pressure from Damascus, which seeks to extend its control across the country, the SDF has relinquished substantial territories in recent days. The forces have withdrawn to parts of Hasakeh province, which represents the Kurds' traditional stronghold in the northeastern region of Syria.
This geopolitical context provides important background to the concerns expressed by diaspora communities in European cities like Antwerp, where Kurdish populations frequently organise to raise awareness about developments affecting their homeland and people.
