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Police in Belgium have launched a manhunt after two Swedish people were shot dead in a terror attack in Brussels.

The shooting caused Belgium’s Euro 2024 qualifier against Sweden to be abandoned at half-time on Monday night.

Fans were also kept in the stadium as armed officers searched for the suspected shooter – who has not yet been found.

The shooting took place about three miles (5km) from the 50,000-seater King Baudouin Stadium shortly after 7pm local time – around 45 minutes before kick-off.

Shortly after, a man who claimed to be the shooter appeared on social media in a video in which he claimed to be a member of Islamic State (IS) and a “fighter for Allah”.

A map of Brussels
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A map showing the location of the shooting and the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels

He also claimed he had carried out the attack in “revenge in the name of Muslims”.

One Belgium newspaper said a witness heard the shooter shout “Allahu Akbar” – “God is great” in Arabic – before the shots were fired.

Another video, reported to be of the incident, which has not been verified by Sky News, showed a gunman in a fluorescent orange jacket and a white helmet chasing a man into a building before shooting at him.

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Moments before fatal Brussels shooting

Belgium’s interior minister, Annelies Verlinden, said the suspect was “actively being tracked down”.

Belgium’s National Crisis Centre raised the terror alert in the city to the highest level on Monday night. It was also moved to the second highest for the rest of Belgium.

Brussels has a painful history with terrorism – this shooting will make it a nervous city

Brussels is now a nervous city – and with good reason. Somewhere out there is a gunman who has already killed two people and apparently claimed to owe an allegiance to Islamic State. And the police can’t find him.

The reaction has been swift and significant – the threat level raised to its highest point, with people told to stay at home.

The Belgian Prime Minister, Alexander de Croo, denounced the killings as an act of terrorism, and then held a late-night phone call with the French President, Emmanuel Macron.

The football game between Belgium and Sweden was abandoned, with both sets of players unwilling to carry on. Then came the problem of how the spectators could be released safely. At times like this, anxiety can be infectious and debilitating.

Brussels has a painful history with terrorism. Seven years ago, the city was struck by twin attacks at its airport and then at a metro station.

Some of the perpetrators had also been involved in the attacks on Paris, including at the Bataclan.
Salah Abdeslam, a prominent figure in both of these horrendous incidents, had been hidden and sheltered in Molenbeek, very near the point where these latest killings took place.

So the echoes are painful, and the ripples of what has happened now will run far. Brussels is scarred by what has happened in the past, fearful about what has happened now, and very nervous about what might happen next.

A spokesperson for Belgium’s federal prosecutor’s office told reporters that the investigation was focusing on “a possible terrorist motivation for the shooting”.

Eric Van Duyse said: “During the evening, a claim of responsibility was posted on social media, having been recorded by a person claiming to be the assailant. This person claims to be inspired by Islamic State.”

He said the Swedish nationality of the victims had been put forward as the probable motive for the attack – but said there was nothing to suggest a possible link with the current situation between Israel and Gaza.

People work as Belgian police secure the area after a shooting in Brussels, Belgium, October 16, 2023. REUTERS/Johanna Geron
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Forensic teams at the scene

A police spokesperson confirmed that two people had been killed in a shooting, but declined to give further details.

The country’s prime minister, Alexander de Croo, meanwhile, appeared to link the incident to terrorism.

In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, he wrote: “I have just offered my sincere condolences to the Swedish prime minister following tonight’s harrowing attack on Swedish citizens in Brussels.

“Our thoughts are with the families and friends who lost their loved ones. As close partners, the fight against terrorism is a joint one.”

In an earlier post, he offered his “deepest condolences” to the relatives of those killed in what he described as a “cowardly attack”.

He also urged the residents of Brussels to “be vigilant”.

Read more from Sky News:
Six guilty of murder over 2016 Brussels airport and train attack
Belgian Prime Minister knocked out after falling off bicycle

Swedish justice minister, Gunnar Strommer, said his government was working with authorities in Belgium “to get more information about what happened”.

Prime Minister, Ulf Kristersson, urged Swedes in Belgium to stay vigilant and follow the instructions of the local authorities.

Sweden supporters wait on the stands after suspension of the Euro 2024 group F qualifying soccer match between Belgium and Sweden at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels, Monday, Oct. 16, 2023. The match was abandoned at halftime after two Swedes were killed in a shooting in central Brussels before kickoff. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert)
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Sweden fans at the game at the King Baudouin Stadium

A supporter is comforted on the stands after suspension of the Euro 2024 group F qualifying soccer match between Belgium and Sweden at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels, Monday, Oct. 16, 2023. The match was abandoned at halftime after two Swedes were killed in a shooting in central Brussels before kickoff. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert)
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A Belgian supporter is comforted in the stands. Pic: AP

Meanwhile, France’s President Emmanuel Macron described the incident as an “Islamist terrorist attack”.

Speaking in Albania on Monday evening – days after his own country was rocked by the fatal stabbing of a teacher in a suspected terror attack – Mr Macron said: “Europe is being shaken”.

The shooting in Brussels took place near Boulevard d’Ypres – in an area to the north of the city centre.

The area is around three miles (5km) from the King Baudouin Stadium, where the Euro 2024 qualifier was held.

A UEFA spokesperson confirmed the game had been suspended on Monday.

In a statement, UEFA said: “Following a suspected terrorist attack in Brussels this evening, it has been decided, after consultation with the two teams and the local police authorities, that the qualifying match between Belgium and Sweden is abandoned.”

Supporters walk away from the venue after suspension of the Euro 2024 group F qualifying soccer match between Belgium and Sweden at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels, Monday, Oct. 16, 2023. The match was abandoned at halftime after two Swedes were killed in a shooting in central Brussels before kickoff. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert)
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Fans leave the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels

Sweden coach Janne Andersson later told Swedish website Fotbollskanalen: “We can’t play football in this situation. We and Belgium completely agree that we shouldn’t play.”

Laura Demullier, of Belgium’s OCAD anti-terror centre, said getting the thousands of football fans attending the match safely out of the stadium was their top priority.

Over two hours after the game was suspended, a message flashed on the big stadium screen which said: “Fans, you can leave the stadium calmly.”

Sweden has in recent months faced rioting following a string of Koran-burning incidents in both Sweden and neighbouring Denmark.

Muslim leaders in Sweden have called on the government to find ways to stop the Koran burnings, but police have allowed them, citing freedom of speech.

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A peace deal isn’t a sure thing, Zelenskyy’s UK visit needs more than a warm welcome

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A peace deal isn't a sure thing, Zelenskyy's UK visit needs more than a warm welcome

Volodymyr Zelenskyy is heading to Downing Street once again, but Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will be keen to make this meeting more than just a photo op.

On Monday the prime minister will welcome not only the Ukrainian president, but also E3 allies France and Germany to discuss the state of the war in Ukraine.

French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will join Sir Keir in showing solidarity and support for Ukraine and its leader, but it’s the update on the peace negotiations that will be the main focus of the meet up.

The four leaders are said to be set to not only discuss those talks between Ukraine, the US and Russia, but also to talk about next steps if a deal were to be reached and what that might look like.

Ahead of the discussions, Sir Keir spoke with the Dutch leader Dick Schoof where both leaders agreed Ukraine’s defence still needs international support, and that Ukraine’s security is vital to European security.

But while Russia’s war machine shows no signs of abating, a warm welcome and kind words won’t be enough to satisfy the embattled Ukrainian president at a time when Russian drone and missile attacks continue to bombard Kyiv.

Keir Starmer welcoming Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Downing Street during a previous visit. Pic: AP
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Keir Starmer welcoming Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Downing Street during a previous visit. Pic: AP

What is the latest in negotiations?

Over the weekend, Mr Zelenskyy said he had discussed “next steps” with US President Donald Trump’s advisers and was “determined to keep working in good faith”.

“The American representatives know the basic Ukrainian positions,” Mr Zelenskyy said in his nightly video address. “The conversation was constructive, although not easy.”

But on Sunday evening, ahead of an event at the Kennedy Center, President Trump said he was “disappointed” with Mr Zelenskyy, as was asked about the next steps in Russia-Ukraine talks following negotiations.

He said: “We’ve been speaking to President Putin and we’ve been speaking to Ukrainian leaders, including Zelenskyy, President Zelenskyy.

“And I have to say that I’m a little bit disappointed that President Zelenskyy hasn’t yet read the proposal. That was as of a few hours ago.

“His people love it. But he hasn’t – Russia’s fine with it. Russia’s you know, Russia, I guess, would rather have the whole country when you think of it. But Russia is, I believe, fine with it, but I’m not sure that Zelenskyy’s fine with it. His people love it but he hasn’t read it.”

Read more:
Ukraine has become Europe’s war – so why doesn’t it act like it?
Inside a secret underground military base in eastern Ukraine

On Saturday, Keith Kellogg, Trump’s outgoing Ukraine envoy, had told the Reagan National Defence Forum that efforts to resolve the conflict were in “the last 10 metres”.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov praised new US security strategy over the weekend, adding that Russia hopes this would lead to “further constructive cooperation with Washington on the Ukrainian settlement”.

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Thailand launches airstrikes against Cambodia as border clashes reignite

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Thailand launches airstrikes against Cambodia as border clashes reignite

Thailand has launched airstrikes and said it has struck military targets along the border with Cambodia, as both sides accused the other of attacking first.

One Thai soldier was killed and eight others wounded, according to Thai army spokesperson Major General Winthai Suvaree, who also said Cambodian troops fired first into Thai territory.

Thailand used aircraft “to strike military targets in several areas to suppress Cambodian supporting fire attacks,” he added.

In Cambodia, Met Measpheakdey, deputy governor of Oddar Meanchey province, wrote in a Facebook post that three civilians had been seriously injured.

Cambodian officials said the Thai military attacked their troops first in Preah Vihear province.

“Cambodia urges that Thailand immediately stop all hostile activities that threaten peace and stability in the region,” said Cambodian defence ministry spokesperson Maly Socheata.

Tensions have simmered since the neighbouring countries signed a US-brokered ceasefire agreement in October, put forward by US President Donald Trump.

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Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet shake hands next to US President Donald Trump in October. Pic: Reuters
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Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet shake hands next to US President Donald Trump in October. Pic: Reuters

Their territorial disputes led to five days of combat in July that killed dozens of soldiers and civilians.

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said that military operations would be carried out as necessary to defend the country and protect public safety.

“Thailand has never wished for violence. I’d like to reiterate that Thailand has never initiated a fight or an invasion, but will never tolerate a violation of its sovereignty,” he said.

In Thailand, more than 385,000 civilians across several border districts are being evacuated, with over 35,000 already housed in temporary shelters, military officials said.

People rest at a shelter in Buriram province, Thailand, after fresh military clashes. Pic: Reuters
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People rest at a shelter in Buriram province, Thailand, after fresh military clashes. Pic: Reuters

A concrete shelter in Thailand's Ubon Ratchathani province. Pic: AP
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A concrete shelter in Thailand’s Ubon Ratchathani province. Pic: AP

Meanwhile, the Cambodian Education Ministry said several schools along the border had been shut.

Footage posted online showed what appeared to be students hurriedly leaving classes to meet their parents.

Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim urged Thailand and Cambodia to “exercise maximum restraint”.

In a post on social media, he added: “Our region cannot afford to see long-standing disputes slip into cycles of confrontation.”

Si Sa Ket, Surin and Ubon Ratchathani provinces in Thailand, and Cambodia’s Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey provinces were among the areas said to be caught up in the latest clashes.

On Sunday, both nations accused each other of opening fire along the border in what the Thai army said was an incident that lasted around 20 minutes and resulted in the injury of two of its soldiers.

But Cambodia said that the Thai side fired first and that Cambodian troops did not retaliate.

For more than a century, Thailand and Cambodia have contested sovereignty at points along their 508-mile (817km) land border.

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President Trump may walk away from Ukraine peace process, his eldest son says

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President Trump may walk away from Ukraine peace process, his eldest son says

Donald Trump’s eldest son has said his father may walk away from the Ukraine peace process, claiming the issue is not a priority for Americans, and signalling Europe needs a better plan.

In a wide-ranging discussion with Sky’s lead world news presenter Yalda Hakim at Doha Forum 2025, Donald Trump Jr addressed issues including the US administration’s recent diplomatic efforts around the world.

He was speaking in his capacity as a business leader, setting out his agenda for “America first” investments in defence technology and artificial intelligence (AI), drawing a direct line between global stability and economic prosperity.

Ukraine war latest – follow live updates

Donald Trump meeting Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Washington earlier this year. Pic: Reuters
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Donald Trump meeting Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Washington earlier this year. Pic: Reuters

When asked directly if he believed the US president would walk away from Ukraine, he answered: “I think he may, what’s good about my father and what’s unique about my father is you don’t know what he’s going to do. He’s unpredictable.”

President Trump has led renewed efforts for a ceasefire deal with Russia in recent months.

More on Donald Trump Jr

Drawing a parallel with his father’s current “war” on drug cartels, Donald Trump Jr described gangs bringing illegal drugs into America as a “far greater clear and present danger to the US than anything [going on] in the Ukraine or Russia”.

While he said he did not believe Ukraine would be “abandoned”, he said: “The American public doesn’t have the appetite [for endless wars and further funding of Ukraine’s military efforts].”

Describing Ukraine as “a far more corrupt country than Russia”, he characterised Ukrainian President Zelenskyy as “one of the great marketeers of all time”, who he said had become “a borderline deity, especially to the left”.

He went on to describe President Trump’s approach as “common sense”.

China rivalry was the focus, but Musk got a mention


Yalda Hakim

Yalda Hakim

Lead world news presenter

@SkyYaldaHakim

In a country and at a conference which is friendly, even admiring of the Trump administration, Don Jr was in his element.

He’s here in his capacity as a business leader, promoting his venture, 1789 Capital which claims to be focused on “America First” investments.

But he wasn’t shy about discussing his father’s foreign policy achievements, boasting that Donald Trump had resolved seven or eight wars – conflicts that most ordinary Americans were unaware of.

His pitch is bullish and direct – the current US administration is projecting strength globally, stopping wars and creating investment opportunities which serves the American economy. It’s the MAGA mentality for the global audience.

It’s clear that the rivalry with China is their biggest focus, especially finding ways to combat their dominance over critical minerals.

“America can no longer just sit there and hope that China is going to be a good actor… I think the rest of the world understands that they want America to be at the forefront of all of that.”

When I asked him about recent efforts by President Trump to bring the war in Ukraine to an end, he responded forcefully. “We want peace, we want to stop the death.”

But he went on to say that Europe needed to shoulder the burden and currently they have no plan.

As he sat on the stage in Qatar, the country which has been at the centre of the ceasefire efforts for Gaza, he expressed hope that peace would prevail, but balanced expectations America would fund its re-construction. This would have to be a global effort.

“If there’s one thing my father is, it’s a builder… I think he can be the greatest construction manager in the history of the world, but no one in America wants to bear the entire responsibility of that.”

And, away from international diplomatic efforts, he was happy to announce a breakthrough closer to home.

The “bromance” with Elon Musk and President Trump is back on – calling the entrepreneur a “generational talent, a generational level of genius”.

‘Bromance’ back on

He also confirmed that Tesla billionaire Elon Musk was “100% back in the fold”, after previously appearing to fall out with the president.

Earlier this year, Donald Trump Jr’s investment company, 1789 Capital, heavily invested in some of Musk’s companies, including SpaceX.

Elon Musk and Donald Trump in the Oval Office at the White House in May. Pic: AP
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Elon Musk and Donald Trump in the Oval Office at the White House in May. Pic: AP

Directly comparing President Trump with Musk, he said: “Imagine dealing with one Donald Trump – now I have to deal with two.

“They’re very similar that way, so it created some headaches… but the reality is they’re both very much aligned, they’re on message with what we want to do with our country. What we want to do with freedom of speech.”

He went on: “Elon did incredible things for Twitter, really allowed the democratisation of truth and freedom and free speech to occur. That’s something that is a true threat in America right now.”

He also praised Musk as “changing the face of free speech, science and technology”, adding, “we have to protect our geniuses”.

When asked whether Mr Trump would stand for a third term, he joked that he could be “just trolling” those on the left.

He went on, “He’s the most unpredictable person, probably in the history of politics. Which is why he’s able to get something done. We’ll see.”

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