In this district of Anderlecht, residents are worried. “When I came back the area was blocked off by the police. It’s not the first time this has happened, it’s very scary”explains Hayat. This residential area is also known for its drug trafficking. “When it's daytime and there's light it's okay, but when night falls it's another world. And since it's dark at 4 p.m….”, Rid explains.
In Brussels, violence linked to drug trafficking has increased in intensity in recent years. Illias has lived in the neighborhood for more than twenty years and no longer really dares to leave his house. “I just go to the pharmacy and take the metro, but I don’t hang out,” he explains. “It wasn’t like this before, it’s really very sad,” he said.
A struggle for influence for the most profitable deal locations
The Aumale district has been on the list of Brussels hotspots for 3 months with a reinforced police presence. “We are particularly monitoring this area,” assures Fabrice Cums, mayor of Anderlecht. His town being regularly the scene of shootings, he adds: “It’s clear that we are witnessing a struggle for influence over the most profitable deal locations.” But according to him, “It’s proof that what we’re putting in place works.”
This problem also affects other municipalities, in the Brussels region 89 shootings have taken place since the start of 2024, compared to 62 in 2023.
The person who died this Sunday was the 9th person killed in a shooting in Brussels this year.
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