The National Crisis Centre (NCCN) issued a call on Wednesday night for increased vigilance in all schools after threats were made against all secondary schools. However, the agency has since deemed the threat to be "not credible" and "unlikely".
Two Swedish nationals were killed in an attack in Brussels on 16 October last year; since then, Belgium has been on terrorism "threat level 3", meaning the threat is "serious" and terrorist acts are "possible and likely". But for the NCCN to issue a separate warning about a possible threat is exceptional.
On Wednesday evening, the agency published a warning on its website of threats against Belgian secondary schools. Flemish secondary schools and Dutch-speaking schools in Brussels are currently on Easter holidays until next Monday, meaning that it was schools in the Belgian francophone system that were concerned.
"The situation is being closely monitored by relevant services," the NCCN stated. An investigation by the Federal Police is ongoing."Given the current overall threat level 3, the NCCN calls on people to report any suspicious situation."
No cause for panic
Belgium's Threat Assessment Body (OCAD) called for calm on Thursday morning. Having analysed the threat it considered the threat not to be dangerous.
"Based on the available information, OCAD deems the threat e-mail received by several schools not to be credible. However, OCAD did maintain the need to remain attentive and observe the necessary preventive security measures; the general threat level 3 remains in place across Belgium.
The NCCN later clarified its position, stating that it treats every threat it receives seriously, and asks OCAD to analyse each threat. "Based on its analysis, OCAD has concluded that the threat is not credible." However, as Belgium remains at threat level 3, increased vigilance measures by the police remain in place.
Related News
- Life-threatening knife attack in Brussels city centre
- Belgium joins forces with North Sea countries to guard against Russian sabotage
Flemish Education Minister Ben Weyts (N-VA) expressed his frustration about the confusing communication. "This creates needless unrest among pupils, teachers and parents. I urge caution with such communications and hope that a reassuring message can come from the Crisis Centre soon". This will make the situation of school security more clear before the end of the holidays for Dutch-speaking schools.
After the October attacks, several schools were closed doors as a result of bomb threats. These all proved to be false. The NCCN, OCAD and partner services continue to monitor the situation closely.
