Belgian authorities launch manhunt for Palestinian asylum seeker threatening self-detonation

Belgian law enforcement agencies are currently conducting an extensive search for Mohammed A., a 23-year-old Palestinian asylum seeker, who has issued threats of self-detonation following the tragic news of his family’s demise in Gaza. Mohammed A., who applied for asylum on September 26, 2023, failed to attend a follow-up appointment the next day. His alarming declaration to “die as a martyr by explosion” has prompted an urgent nationwide search by all Belgian police units. The Brussels public prosecutor’s office has confirmed its knowledge of the threats made by Mohammed A., of Palestinian origin, and assured the public that he is actively being pursued. In the interest of the ongoing investigation, no further comments have been provided. This incident follows closely on the heels of a violent attack that transpired just a week ago when an ISIS extremist, armed with an automatic rifle, targeted two Swedish football fans. The attacker claimed it was an act of revenge for the tragic death of a six-year-old US-Palestinian child. Abdesalem Lassoued, the 45-year-old Tunisian suspect responsible for the attack, was ultimately cornered and fatally shot by armed police in Schaerbeek, Brussels. He had been residing in Belgium without legal status prior to the incident. According to reports, Lassoued was previously identified by authorities as having a “radicalized profile” dating as far back as 2016. Although he had no prior convictions in Belgium, law enforcement had been monitoring him due to various suspicions, including involvement in human trafficking and posing a threat to national security, as stated by Belgium’s Justice Minister Vincent Van Quickenborne. This sequence of events underscores the ongoing security challenges faced by Belgium and the broader European community in addressing extremism and ensuring the safety of its residents and visitors. The hunt for Mohammed A. remains a top priority for Belgian authorities as they strive to prevent any potential acts of violence.