Belgian intelligence believes Russia is behind drone incidents - Media
Illustrative photo: Belgian intelligence believes Russia is involved in the drone incidents (Getty Images)
Belgian intelligence believes that a foreign state — most likely Russia — is behind a series of recent drone incidents that disrupted air traffic and military operations, Belga reports.
Sources within the intelligence services told the news agency that there are several signs of foreign involvement in the drone incidents. Among other things, the drones fly in specific formations, in darkness, and near critical facilities.
Belgian intelligence believes that such actions go "beyond the capabilities of hobbyists."
It is noted that concerns about Russia’s involvement have increased amid negotiations over the use of frozen Russian assets — most of which are held in the Euroclear depository in Brussels — to support Ukraine.
Unknown drones near a military base in Belgium
On the night of November 1, unknown drones were spotted in Belgian airspace. They were flying over the Kleine-Brogel airbase in the town of Peer, where US nuclear weapons are stored.
Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken said that the drones were spying on fighter jets and ammunition.
He did not directly blame Russia but hinted that he sees no other likely culprits for the violation of Belgian airspace.
Belgian Army Chief of Staff Frederik Vansina ordered soldiers to shoot down suspicious drones, but only safely, meaning "without causing collateral damage."
On the evening of November 4, unknown drones were again spotted near the Kleine-Brogel airbase in Belgium.
Residents of the town of Peer, located near the military base, reported seeing six drones of unknown origin.
