Belgium extends military deployment in Brussels streets for 6 months

Belgium's federal government has approved a six-month extension of the military deployment at train and metro stations in the capital, Defense Minister Theo Francken said Friday.

The extension concerns "Operation Urban Shield," which was launched in Brussels last April for an initial six-month period at the request of the federal government, according to broadcaster RTBF.

Under the operation, around 30 soldiers from the land component were deployed at train stations and metro facilities to support police efforts to address the consequences of drug trafficking.

Around 70 soldiers also participated in a major "Full Integrated Police Action" operation at various locations across Brussels at the end of August.

Separately, "Operation Green Shield" led to the deployment of soldiers in Brussels, Antwerp, and Liege at the end of March to protect Jewish sites and institutions.