Belgian Secret Weapon in War on Terror: Cats

When Belgian security forces launched an anti-terror operation in Brussels on Monday, the activity spurred a flurry of updates on social media, as is usual in such events in recent years. 

• Higher demand for Israeli security technology orders after Paris attacks
• 'Yes, we're afraid' – Brussels on third day of state of alert
• U.S. issues global travel warning amid terrorist threats

However, when police turned to Twitter in a plea to stop posting updates and photos of the operation, it appeared that local tweetizens were only too eager to comply, launching an determined effort to flood the #BrusselsLockdown hashtag not with news – but with kittens.

Others consulted expert literature:

While others urged a calmer approach:

Some were left in the lurch:

Expressions of solidarity were also common:

Adopting the latest in feline technology:

That feline night vision sure comes in handy:

Jacques Brel also joined the fray:

As well as another Belgian icon:

Finally, Belgian police thanked the cats for all their help: