Machete Attacker Injures Two Police Officers In Belgium

Authorities in Belgium say two female Belgian police officers were injured on August 6 by a machete-wielding assailant.

One of the women suffered deep cuts to her face and was hospitalized.

Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel condemned the violence, saying early indications suggested it was a terrorist attack.

The attack -- which follows a series of knife and gun attacks across Europe, including some linked to terrorist motives -- took place in the city of Charleroi about 50 kilometers south of Brussels.

The Belga news agency reported that the attacker was shot by a third police officer.

Belgian state broadcaster VTM later reported that the attacker -- who reportedly shouted “Allahu akbar” as he attacked the officers -- died from his wounds.

Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel condemned the attack, while Belgian Interior Minister Jan Jambon called it a "vile act."

Jambon also said the Belgian threat analysis unit, OCAM, was evaluating the situation.

Belgian has remained on the highest alert level for terrorist attacks since March 22 when three Islamic State suicide bombers killed 32 people and injured more than 300 in Brussels.

Based on reporting by Reuters, AP, AFP, dpa, Belga, and VTM