Six people were injured, including two who are in critical condition, following a knife attack at a popular tourist area in Antwerp, Belgium.
The incident occurred on Tuesday evening during a pro-Kurdish demonstration near Operaplein, a busy city square. Police confirmed that four victims were stabbed at Operaplein, while two additional injured individuals were found nearby at Rooseveltplaats and Sint-Elisabethstraat.
A spokesperson for Antwerp police said emergency services responded swiftly, deploying multiple medical teams to provide first aid at the scene. “All victims suffered stab wounds, and two are currently in critical condition,” the spokesperson said. Two suspects were arrested within minutes of the attack.
Witnesses described scenes of panic as people fled in different directions. One witness said the area descended into “pure chaos,” while another claimed a group passing by suddenly produced knives and began stabbing people who were sitting on the steps of a nearby building.
Police officers were already present at the demonstration, which had remained peaceful for most of the evening and was attended by around 50 protesters. The attack took place at approximately 7.30pm, as the rally was coming to an end.
Images and videos shared online show officers restraining a suspect on the ground, emergency services rushing to the scene, and victims receiving medical treatment. Kurdish and PKK (Kurdistan Workers’ Party) flags were visible during the demonstration.
Wouter Bruyns, spokesperson for the Antwerp Police Zone, told local media that the suspects had blended in with demonstrators before the attack. A full investigation is now underway, with forensic teams examining the area.
Police have advised the public to avoid Operaplein and surrounding streets while investigations continue.
