Two dead, two gravely wounded in Brussels shooting

Two people were killed and two others were severely injured on Thursday (June 27) in a shooting incident reported at an area known for drug trafficking near the Gare de Midi train station in Brussels, police said.

The incident took place between 1:00 and 2:00 am near a cafe in the Saint Gilles district of the Belgian capital. While the suspect fled the crime scene, a police spokesman said.

Three people were wounded during the shooting; two are in a life-threatening condition, while the third one is stable, according to the police department.

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In a recent crackdown on drug trafficking, Brussels officials identified Saint-Gilles as one of 15 drug hotspots across the capital's 19 municipalities.

However, the police have not so far established a link between the shooting and the city's illegal drugs trade.
Judicial officials were due to make a statement later on Thursday.

In recent years, Belgium has witnessed a rise in gun violence linked to rivalries between drug trafficking gangs.

(With inputs from agencies)