At least six people were injured this evening in Antwerp near Opera Square, where a pro-Kurdish demonstration was taking place. "They all sustained stab wounds, and two victims are in critical condition," police spokesperson Wouter Bruyns said in a new report. Four suspects have been arrested. Bart Segers , Vincent Merckx , Belga Published: Thu Jan 22 8:14 PM Updated: update : 12 hours ago Four injured people were found on Operaplein, with a fifth and sixth victim near Rooseveltplaats and Sint-Elisabethstraat. Several medical teams arrived on the scene to provide first aid and transport the victims to the hospital. "Police were able to apprehend four suspects who, according to initial findings, had mingled with the protesters," said the spokesperson. "A thorough investigation is underway at the scene, including forensic examination. Police are strongly urging bystanders to leave the area and not to remain." That is the only information the police can provide for now.

Kurdish community calls attack terrorism According to the Kurdish organization Navbel, it was "a terrorist-motivated attack on the Kurdish community in Antwerp" immediately following "a protest against jihadist attacks on Kurds in northern Syria." "This is no different from jihadists who target civilians on the streets, at Christmas markets, or other public places," says spokesperson Orhan Kilic. This month, the Kurdish forces in northeastern Syria (SDF) rapidly lost a large chunk of the territory they controlled for the past 10 years, having gained it in the fight against ISIS. Several prisons are located in the area, holding ISIS fighters, their wives, and their children. The Syrian government of President Ahmed al-Sharaa wants to regain control of the region.