Dozens Riot in Brussels Trying to Prevent Police from Arresting Paris ISIS Terrorist

In the aftermath of Salah Abdeslam’s arrest, the Brussels suburb of Molenbeek became a volatile hotspot, witnessing clashes between locals and security forces. Reports surfaced that some Muslim residents were openly expressing admiration for the captured Paris terrorist, Salah Abdeslam, elevating tensions in the already troubled area.

Riot police swiftly intervened as crowds gathered, throwing missiles at Belgian authorities. The spark that ignited the clashes was the vocal support for Abdeslam by young Muslims from Molenbeek, who referred to him as their “hero,” according to eyewitness accounts.

Disturbing scenes unfolded as police officers became targets, facing objects hurled by locals, predominantly young people. Videos circulated on social media depicted large crowds in the streets where the dramatic terror raid had occurred, with audible shouts preceding the projectiles thrown at officers.

The unrest prompted the deployment of riot police armed with batons and shields, employing police dogs to disperse the gathering. The footage captured a tense atmosphere, with locals reluctant to leave the scene despite the escalating confrontation.

The presence of riot police indicated authorities’ concerns about potential riots, highlighting the difficulty of managing the volatile situation amid a still-unfolding dramatic raid. The local population, many of whom left their homes after hearing rumors of Abdeslam’s capture, added to the complexity of the task faced by law enforcement.

Molenbeek had been under intense scrutiny since it was linked to the November 2015 terrorist attacks in Paris, where 130 people lost their lives. Key figures involved in the attacks, including Abdeslam and ringleader Abdelhamid Abaaoud, hailed from this Brussels district, earning it the moniker of Europe’s ‘jihadi haven.’

The suburb, with some areas comprising up to 80% Muslim residents, had been subjected to anti-terror operations following the Charlie Hebdo attacks in January 2015. The intensity of security measures and patrols, perceived by many as an infringement on their liberty, contributed to the already strained relationship between Molenbeek’s residents, particularly its youth, and the authorities.

The capture of Abdeslam came on the heels of the Belgian government’s commitment to cracking down on extremism in Molenbeek, catapulting the district into the international spotlight. This incident underscored the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in addressing radicalization within communities and highlighted the palpable suspicion and hostility harbored by Molenbeek’s residents toward security measures.

Earlier clashes between young people and soldiers patrolling a metro station in Molenbeek, as well as attacks on journalists attempting to interview family members of terrorists, portrayed a community grappling with the consequences of being labeled a breeding ground for extremism. The events in Molenbeek became emblematic of the broader struggle faced by nations in Europe and beyond, striving to balance counterterrorism efforts with the preservation of civil liberties and community trust.

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