Belgium to Deploy Soldiers in Streets for Security Patrols

Belgium will begin deploying soldiers on its streets from Monday, Defence Minister Theo Francken announced Thursday during a plenary session of the Chamber of Representatives.

Up to 200 soldiers will be deployed for a temporary period of three months, primarily to monitor sites frequented by the Jewish community, including synagogues and schools. The deployment will start in Brussels and Antwerp before extending to Liège, with support also planned for railway police and large-scale integrated police operations (FIPA). After three months, the contingent will be reduced to 90 soldiers.

The deployment follows an agreement between three governing coalition parties—CD&V, N-VA, and MR—aimed at strengthening security at key locations, including train stations and areas impacted by drug trafficking.

Francken emphasized the temporary nature of the measure, saying: “We can’t deploy hundreds of soldiers in our streets every day.” He also noted Belgium’s military commitments abroad, including support in Iran, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the North Sea, and Ukraine.