Six individuals sustained injuries, with two in critical condition, following a knife attack at a popular tourist destination. The incident occurred during a pro-Kurdish demonstration near Operaplein square in Antwerp, Belgium. Police swiftly apprehended two suspects shortly after the assault. Authorities reported that four individuals were stabbed on Operaplein, with two victims in critical condition. Medical teams provided immediate assistance, and two suspects were taken into custody.
Local reports indicated that four of the injured individuals were located on Operaplein, while the fifth and sixth victims were found near Rooseveltplaats and Sint-Elisabethstraat. Photos from the scene depicted officers subduing a suspect before making an arrest. Approximately 50 protesters were present at the rally, which had been peaceful until the sudden outbreak of violence.
Witnesses described the chaotic scene, with people fleeing in all directions as a group brandished knives and attacked individuals seated nearby. The incident unfolded as the demonstration was concluding around 7:30 pm. Videos captured emergency services responding to the scene and attending to injured persons.
Wouter Bruyns, spokesperson for the Antwerp Police Zone, confirmed that the suspects had infiltrated the demonstrators before the attack. Kurdish and PKK flags were observed during the demonstration. A police investigation is underway, with forensic teams present at the square. Authorities have advised the public to vacate the area and avoid lingering at Operaplein.