Stockholm - Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson has emphasized the need for enhanced border controls within both Sweden and the European Union. This call comes in the wake of a tragic incident on Monday night in Brussels, where a gunman took the lives of two Swedish citizens and left another individual wounded. Prosecutors are treating this incident as an act of terrorism.
Brussels is currently on high alert, with federal prosecutors launching a terrorism investigation into the shooting that occurred on Boulevard d'Ypres, approximately 5 kilometers (3 miles) from the King Baudoin Stadium. Eric van Duyse, a spokesperson for the prosecutor's office, has urged the public to remain at home until the threat is fully eliminated.
The individual claiming responsibility for the attack posted a video on social media, indicating that he was inspired by the Islamic State group. In the video, he stated that he carried out the attack in the name of God and claimed to have taken the lives of three people.
Ulf Kristersson expressed understanding for the fear and anger that many Swedes are experiencing in light of this tragedy. He stressed the necessity for heightened security measures during these challenging times, cautioning against naivety.
The Prime Minister went on to declare that, in modern times, Sweden has never faced a more significant security threat. He classified the attack that claimed the lives of two Swedes as an act of terror, underscoring that Sweden is currently confronting an unprecedented level of threat to its security.