Liège synagogue explosion investigation
Belgian police detained three suspects on June 28, 2026, believed to have acted for pay in connection with the March 9, 2026, explosion at a Liège synagogue, following the arrest of Mohammad al-Saadi in Turkey in May 2026, who is accused of orchestrating attacks for Iran's IRGC. As of June 28, 2026, seven individuals were arrested on June 25, 2026, as part of a federal terrorism investigation into the incident, which an Iranian-backed Shi'a militia group, Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia (HAYI), claimed responsibility for. The Belgian Prime Minister has warned of a growing Iran-linked terror threat, and U.S. federal authorities indicted Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al-Saadi, an alleged leader of Kataib Hezbollah, on May 1, 2026, for coordinating a terrorist campaign including the Liège bombing.
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June 2026 — 2 developments
Belgian Police Detain Three Suspects in Liège Synagogue Explosion Investigation
Belgian police detained three suspects on June 28, 2026, who are believed to have acted for pay on behalf of unidentified handlers in connection with the March 9, 2026, explosion at a Liège synagogue. Mohammad al-Saadi, accused of orchestrating attacks for Iran's IRGC, was arrested in Turkey in May 2026.
Seven arrested in Belgium in connection with Liège synagogue explosion
Seven individuals were arrested on June 25, 2026, as part of a federal terrorism investigation into the March 9, 2026, explosion outside a synagogue in Liège, Belgium. The Belgian Prime Minister has warned of a growing Iran-linked terror threat following the incident.
May 2026 — 5 developments
Belgian Police Seek Suspects in Liège Synagogue Explosion, Release Descriptions
Belgian police are actively searching for two individuals seen near the Liège synagogue shortly before the March 9, 2026, explosion, which is being investigated as an antisemitic act. Descriptions of the suspects have been released, including details on their build, hair, and clothing.
Iraqi Militia Group Claims Responsibility for Liège Synagogue Explosion
An Iranian-backed Shi'a militia group in Iraq, Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia (HAYI), claimed responsibility for the March 9, 2026, explosion outside a synagogue in Liège, Belgium. Belgian authorities are investigating the incident as a "despicable antisemitic act," and the federal prosecutor's office has taken over the investigation.
Iraqi militant leader arrested in Turkey for orchestrating Liège synagogue attack
An Iraqi militant leader was arrested in Turkey on May 16, 2026, on suspicion of orchestrating attacks, including the Liège synagogue incident. Authorities are exploring potential links to the militant leader and a group called "Ashab al-Yamin." The Synagogue of Liège reopened on May 4, 2026, with enhanced security measures.
Liège Synagogue Reopens with Enhanced Security After Explosion
The Synagogue of Liège, damaged by an explosion on March 9, 2026, reopened on May 3, 2026, with enhanced security measures. U.S. Ambassador to Belgium Bill White and Israeli Ambassador to Belgium attended the reopening ceremony, symbolizing solidarity.
US arrests alleged Hezbollah leader over Liège synagogue bombing
U.S. federal authorities announced the arrest and indictment of Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al-Saadi, an alleged leader of the pro-Iranian Iraqi militia Kataib Hezbollah. Al-Saadi is accused of coordinating a terrorist campaign that included the bombing of the Liège synagogue in Belgium on March 9, 2026. He is suspected of orchestrating at least 18 attacks across Europe and plotting further attacks in the U.S.
April 2026 — 1 developments
Belgian Authorities Transfer Liège Synagogue Explosion Probe to Federal Prosecutors
Belgian authorities have transferred the investigation into the Liège synagogue explosion to federal prosecutors, who specialize in terrorism and organized crime cases. Security measures have been heightened at Jewish institutions across Belgium following the incident.
March 2026 — 8 developments
Belgium deploys troops to secure Jewish sites after synagogue explosion and antisemitic incidents
Belgium has deployed military troops to reinforce security at synagogues and Jewish schools in response to the explosion at a synagogue in Liège and a surge in antisemitic incidents across Europe. This decision comes amid concerns about a new terror group claiming responsibility for various attacks. National leaders have condemned the act and reaffirmed their commitment to combating antisemitism.
U.S. Ambassador White Denounces Synagogue Attack in Liège, Pledges Support for Jewish Community
The U.S. Ambassador to Belgium, Bill White, visited the damaged synagogue in Liège and denounced the explosion as an antisemitic attack, stating that the United States unconditionally supports the Jewish community's right to practice their faith without intimidation. The incident, being investigated as a possible act of terrorism with potential links to Iran, shattered windows and caused material damage.
Belgian police arrest two Iranians over attack threats amid synagogue bombing probe
Belgian police arrested two individuals of Iranian origin in Sint-Truiden for allegedly threatening to carry out an attack. This arrest is occurring amidst the ongoing investigation into the Liège synagogue bombing, where authorities are examining a possible connection to Iran. Prime Minister Bart De Wever has warned of a growing threat of Iran-linked terrorism in Europe.
Belgian Authorities Investigate Synagogue Explosion in Liège as Potential Terrorist Act
Belgian authorities are investigating an explosion at a synagogue in Liège as a potential act of terrorism and antisemitism. Security footage shows a masked individual placing an incendiary device at the entrance shortly before the blast. A previously unknown group, the Islamic Movement of the Companions of the Right (IMCR), has claimed responsibility, though the authenticity of their claims is under analysis. Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever has warned of a growing threat of Iran-linked terrorism in Europe.
Michael Freilich links antisemitic incident to judicial failures, urges government action
Jewish Orthodox lawmaker Michael Freilich linked the incident to perceived judicial failures in prosecuting antisemitic crimes, stating that "When antisemitism is not a priority for prosecutors, with dozens of cases dismissed, an atmosphere of impunity is created." He appealed to the government to act decisively against antisemitism.
Historic Wallonian synagogue, established in 1899, houses museum dedicated to Liège's Jewish community
The synagogue, established in 1899, is a historic monument in Wallonia and also houses a museum dedicated to Liège's Jewish community. Its architectural style is neo-Romanesque with Moorish references, featuring a striped stone façade, rounded arches, symmetrical towers, and a large circular rose window.
Belgian Interior Minister condemns synagogue explosion as 'despicable antisemitic act'
Belgian Interior Minister Bernard Quintin condemned the explosion as "a despicable antisemitic act that directly targeted the Jewish community of Belgium." He announced that security measures around similar sites would continue to be reinforced. Eitan Bergman, Vice-President of the Coordinating Committee of Jewish Organisations in Belgium, expressed deep shock and sadness, noting that the synagogue is a vibrant part of the small Jewish community in Liège.
Belgian PM De Wever condemns antisemitism, expresses solidarity with Jewish community
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever stated on X that "Antisemitism is an attack on our values and our society, and we must fight it unequivocally." He expressed solidarity with the Jewish community in Liège and across Belgium. Walloon minister François Desquesnes called the explosion an "antisemitic crime."