Cats take over the internet while brussels is in lockdown 20151123 p5tsd2.html – Breaking News & Latest Updates 2026
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How the Belgian people are using cats to combat terror

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The internet responds with cats after police operations are launched in Brussels. (Twitter)

The internet responds with cats after police operations are launched in Brussels. (Twitter) 

Authorities have carried out a series of raids across the Belgian capital and people fought back with cats, yes, CATS.

Brussels was in total lockdown as police carried out 19 raids in various neighbourhoods.

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In a bid to keep details top secret authorities asked the press not to share any information about the operation, which included a freeze on social media posts.

That’s when the internet replied in bizarre fashion. In an attempt to confuse terror suspects who might be spying online, people flooded social media with pictures of cats.

#BrusselsLockdown was trending worldwide on Twitter with people adding adorable photos and hilarious captions.

The hashtag that first started with pictures of armed officers on the hunt for suspects, was quickly inundated with cats sleeping, cuddling, and dressed in costume.

In the end, Belgian police arrested 16 people during the raids, but prosecutors said Paris attacks suspect Salah Abdeslam wasn't among them.

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