Security Alert: Brussels (Belgium), Potentially Violent Protests

Location: Brussels

Event: On Thursday, June 29, protests in and around Anneessenswijk and at South Station in Brussels resulted in confrontations with police and property damage, including fires being set.  Police made numerous arrests.

According to police, these incidents occurred after calls on social media to protest following a June 27 police shooting in the Parisian suburb of Nanterre.  Spontaneous disturbances and police activity in Brussels may occur with little or no warning in response to further developments.

Actions to Take:

• Avoid these areas and large crowds.
• Keep a low profile.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Monitor local media for updates.
• Refer to our website for the latest Alerts and Messages for U.S. citizens.
• Notify friends, family, and school officials of your safety.

Assistance:

• U.S. Embassy in Belgium, located at 27 Boulevard du Regent/Regentlaan, 1000 Brussels.  Tel. +32-2-811-4000, 08:00 a.m. – 05:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except U.S. and Belgian holidays.  After-hours emergency number for U.S. citizens is +32-2-811-4000; USCitizenBrussels@state.gov.
• 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or +1-202-501-4444 from other countries.
• Belgium Country Information .
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  (STEP) to receive security messages.
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