BRUSSELS 

Belgian authorities will deploy military personnel to bolster security at key metro and train stations in the Belgian capital starting Friday, officials said Tuesday.

A total of 45 soldiers will accompany local police on patrols across several Brussels transportation hubs in an effort to support law enforcement and enhance public safety, the Interior and Defense Ministries confirmed to news portal Bruzz.

The decision comes as part of broader efforts to combat rising drug trafficking and criminality in urban transit areas.

The ministries did not disclose specific locations where the joint patrols will be conducted.

In addition to the permanent patrol units, officials said extra 10 military personnel will be available for large‑scale operations, coordinated interventions involving both local and federal police, similar to those carried out during a major anti‑drug crackdown last September.

The deployment follows the implementation of static military security measures at Jewish sites in Antwerp, Liege and Brussels earlier this year, reflecting continued concerns about safety and crime in key urban areas.

Authorities maintain the move is aimed at reinforcing police capacity and reassuring commuters amid a challenging security environment in Belgium's capital.