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Belgium asks Netherlands, Spain to extradite two suspects in Islamist attack probe

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on January 29, 2025

1 min read

· Last updated: January 27, 2026

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Belgium seeks extradition of suspects in Islamist attack case - Global Banking & Finance Review
The image depicts the Belgian Federal Prosecutor's Office, highlighting Belgium's efforts to extradite two suspects linked to the 2023 Islamist attack in Brussels. This case involves the tragic deaths of two Swedish citizens during a Euro 2024 match.
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By Charlotte Van Campenhout BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Belgium has asked the Netherlands and Spain to extradite two suspects in connection with an Islamist militant attack in Brussels in 2023 that killed

Belgium Seeks Extradition of Two Suspects Linked to Brussels Attack

By Charlotte Van Campenhout

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Belgium has asked the Netherlands and Spain to extradite two suspects in connection with an Islamist militant attack in Brussels in 2023 that killed two Swedish citizens and injured a third person.

The suspects are believed to have helped gunman Abdesalem Lassoued obtain the weapon used in the attack, a spokesperson for Belgium's Federal Prosecutor's Office said.

He added that one suspect was arrested in Spain last weekend while the other was apprehended in the Netherlands the previous week, without giving more details.

Local Dutch newspaper De Limburger identified the suspect in the Netherlands as a 25-year-old man.

At the time of the attack, Belgium was hosting Sweden for a Euro 2024 soccer qualifying match.

Lassoued, a 45-year-old Tunisian, claimed responsibility for the attack in a video posted online where he also identified himself as a member of the Islamic State militant group. He was later shot dead after an overnight manhunt by police.

(Reporting by Charlotte Van Campenhout; editing by Mark Heinrich)

Key Takeaways

  • Belgium seeks extradition of two suspects from Netherlands and Spain.
  • Suspects linked to Brussels attack that killed two Swedish citizens.
  • Attack occurred during a Euro 2024 qualifying match in Belgium.
  • Gunman Abdesalem Lassoued claimed responsibility for the attack.
  • Lassoued was identified as a member of the Islamic State.

Frequently Asked Questions

What prompted Belgium to request extradition?
Belgium requested extradition of two suspects in connection with an Islamist militant attack in Brussels in 2023 that killed two Swedish citizens.
Who are the suspects involved in the attack?
The suspects are believed to have helped gunman Abdesalem Lassoued obtain the weapon used in the attack.
Where were the suspects arrested?
One suspect was arrested in Spain last weekend, while the other was apprehended in the Netherlands the previous week.
What was the motive behind the attack?
The gunman, Abdesalem Lassoued, claimed responsibility for the attack in a video, identifying himself as a member of the Islamic State militant group.
What event was taking place in Belgium during the attack?
At the time of the attack, Belgium was hosting Sweden for a Euro 2024 soccer qualifying match.

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