Belgian authorities announced that last night they simultaneously detected drones over the airports in Brussels and Liege, over a military base, a nuclear research center and the district with EU institutions, BTA reports.
This is another similar incident since the beginning of the week, leading to the temporary suspension of civilian flights due to a potential threat.
Shortly after 9:00 p.m. local time, drones were spotted around the two airports, hours after the National Security Council approved new measures to respond to such cases. The German armed forces have already sent teams to support the Belgian services, although the government in Brussels has not yet requested formal consultations within NATO.
Police and military personnel have been ordered to shoot down drones if possible, avoiding causing further damage. According to Defense Minister Theo Francken, the country is being subjected to a destabilization campaign, and Belgian security services point to Russia as the main suspect. However, the Russian ambassador denied any involvement.
On Wednesday, drones entering Brussels airport led to two suspensions of flights for about 30 minutes. Arriving planes were diverted or held in the air. According to analyses in local media, the incidents may be related to the fact that Belgium is home to the bulk of Russian assets frozen under EU sanctions, the possible transfer of which to Ukraine is pending. Comments by Francken, which have provoked a reaction from Moscow, are also a possible reason.