Belgian Christmas markets are adapting to a terrorist threat rated at 3 out of 4 by Ocam. Antwerp is strengthening its security, while Brussels, Liège and Charleroi are reassuring about the systems already in place.
A Antwerpin the town of Bart De Wever, the teams which work rather in the shadows will be more present on the groundthe police said. The Motorcycle Arrest Unit will now be more visible on the streets, in addition tomajor police deployment already planned.
A Charleroi, no change is not provided for in the security measures already in place, while Liègeof the enhanced security measures have been put in place for several years already, indicated Mayor Willy Demeyer.
“The various access points to the festivities are secured, in particular by devices preventing vehicles from rushing into the spaces. Prior security meetings are organized, as well as a permanent assessment of the situation,” said the mayor’s spokesperson, Laurence Comminette, on Saturday.
Police and camera
The City also has strengthened its police teams on the ground and relied on a network of urban cameras. With nearly 200 chalets spread across the Cathedral, Market and Saint-Lambert squares, the Liège “Christmas village” is in its 37th edition and is one of the oldest in the kingdom.
On the side of the capital of the country, the local police of Brussels-Capital-Ixelles sticks to the advice of Ocam, while remaining ready to adapt its system if necessary. “Of course, a security system is in place for Winter Fun,” said Commissioner Linda Camarero-Verde. “Teams in both civilian clothes and uniforms are present on the market. Around the event, various measures were taken including the placement of flower boxes and other physical obstacles »she said.
A powerful car rushed through the aisles of the Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, on Friday evening. The machine mowed down visitors one by one in its path over some 400 meters. At least five people were killed and more than 200 injured, some very seriously.
