Charles Michel: Early indications Charleroi attack was terrorism

Two female police officers were wounded by an attacker with a machete outside the police station in the Belgian city of Charleroi on the 6 August 2016. Police claimed that the attacker shouted 'Allahu Akbar' (God is greatest) during the incident. The attacker was shot by a third police officer and died from his injuries.

The Prime Minister of Belgium Charles Michel said later that initial indications suggested that the attack 'very clearly leans towards terrorism'.

Belgium's National Security Council met on the 7 August 2016.

Later, the IS-linked Amaq Agency, quoting an unnamed source said that the so-called Islamic State (IS) claimed responsibility for the attack.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Belgian police make arrests in anti-terror raids http://www.europeansources.info/record/belgian-police-make-arrests-in-anti-terror-raids/

BBC News, 06.08.16: Belgian police attacker shot and killed in Charleroi http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-36998449

Deutsche Welle, 06.08.16: Machete-wielding attacker strikes Belgian police officers http://dw.com/p/1Jclz

ESO: Background information: The fall-out from the Brussels terrorist attacks http://www.europeansources.info/record/the-fall-out-from-the-brussels-terrorist-attacks/

ESO: Background information: Salah Abdeslam charged with 'terrorist murder' in Paris attacks http://www.europeansources.info/record/salah-abdeslam-charged-with-terrorist-murder-in-paris-attacks/

EurActiv, 08.08.16: IS claims Belgium police machete attack http://www.euractiv.com/section/justice-home-affairs/news/is-claims-belgium-police-machete-attack/

France24, 07.08.16: Belgium opens terror probe over machete attack claimed by IS group http://www.france24.com/en/20160807-belgium-opens-terror-probe-over-machete-attack-police-officers

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