Six Injured in Stabbing at Kurdish Protest in Antwerp

Violence Erupts at Peaceful Kurdish Demonstration

A peaceful Kurdish demonstration in the heart of Antwerp turned violent on Thursday evening when a group of assailants launched a stabbing attack, leaving six people injured, two of them in critical condition. The incident occurred around 7:20 PM at Opera Square (Operaplein) as approximately 200-300 Kurdish protesters were concluding their gathering.

Chaos and Panic on Opera Square

According to eyewitness accounts, the protest had been peaceful throughout, with participants waving flags of Kurdistan, West Kurdistan, and the militant Kurdish group PKK. 'People were running in all directions, it was pure chaos,' one witness told the Gazet van Antwerpen. The attackers reportedly pulled out knives and began stabbing people who were sitting on the steps of the Opera House.

Police Response and Arrests

Antwerp police, who were already monitoring the demonstration, quickly intervened. Four suspects were arrested at the scene, and their homes were subsequently searched. Police spokesperson confirmed to VRT Nieuws that the attackers had mingled with the protesters before launching their assault. The two critically injured victims were rushed to hospital, though their condition has since stabilized and is no longer considered life-threatening.

Political Context and Community Reaction

The demonstration was organized by the Kurdish organization Navbel to protest against what they describe as 'jihadist attacks on Kurds in northern Syria.' Spokesperson Orhan Kilic condemned the stabbing as 'a terrorist-motivated attack on the Kurdish community in Antwerp.' The protest came amid significant geopolitical developments in Syria, where Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have recently lost substantial territory to the Syrian government.

According to Al Jazeera analysis, Syrian government forces have made major gains against the SDF, retaking key cities including Raqqa and Deir Az Zor. This has created anxiety within Kurdish diaspora communities across Europe, including Belgium's estimated 70,000 Kurds.

Investigation and Aftermath

The area around Opera Square remained cordoned off until 1 AM Friday as forensic officers gathered evidence. Police are reviewing CCTV footage and social media videos of the incident. While initial reports suggested the attack might be politically motivated, authorities are investigating it as attempted murder rather than terrorism at this stage.

The incident highlights the complex dynamics within Antwerp's diverse population. According to demographic data, nearly half of Antwerp's 530,000 residents have a migration background, representing 166 different nationalities. The city has become a focal point for various diaspora communities, including Kurds who have settled in Belgium over several decades.

Community leaders have called for calm and urged authorities to provide increased protection for minority groups during public gatherings. The investigation continues as police work to establish the precise motives behind the violent attack.