Explosives attacks took place in the Antwerp districts of Berchem and Wilrijk on Saturday night, local police confirmed Sunday. The damage was limited and an investigation is underway to determine whether the incidents are related and whether there is a link to the numerous drug violence that takes place in Antwerp.
In Wilrijk, unknown persons targeted a house on the Krijgslaan. In Berchem, a house on the Fruithoflaan was targeted. The damage was limited, with only broken windows.
Military explosives specialists were called to the scene to determine which devices were used. Initial evidence points to a small-scale homemade bomb.
The two addresses are about a 10-minute drive apart and it seems the method was similar in each case. It is therefore not impossible that both attacks were carried out by the same group or person.
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Attacks, whether with explosives or firearms, have been a regular occurrence in Antwerp, where feuding drug gangs frequently target related properties. City mayor Bart De Wever has repeatedly issued calls for special measures to be implemented to curb the violence.
Last month a young girl was killed when gunmen targeted a rival house, shooting through the garage door and hitting the girl behind.
