In 2015 , Molenbeek gained international attention as the base of Islamist terrorists , who carried out attacks in both France and Belgium . The municipality 's mayor has described it as " a breeding ground for violence " . As of early 2016 , Molenbeek held a reputation as a safe haven for jihadists in relation to the support shown by some residents towards the bombers who carried out the Paris and Brussels attacks
Brussels attacks
2016 Brussels bombings
Molenbeek-Saint-Jean