2 suicide attacks with suitcase bombs claimed by ISIS occurred Tuesday morning at Brussels metro station and airport. At least 34 people were killed, and other 230 were injured, leaving a whole country in terror.
The attacks with detonated suitcases were claimed by the terror group known as the Islamic State through its affiliate news agency AMAQ. Here is what they declared according to a statement posted by Express “Islamic State fighters opened fire inside Zaventem Airport, before several of them detonated their explosive belts, as a martyrdom bomber detonated his explosive belt in the Maalbeek metro station.”
The attack at the airport injured 92 people and killed 14 while the attack on the Maelbeek metro station killed 20 and injured 106 people.
The medics from Gasthuisber hospital confirmed that due to the severity and nature of the injuries, at least one of the suitcases was packed with nails.
Witnesses declared to a Belgium news agency that they heard gunshots and shouts in Arabic before the explosion from the airport. The authorities discovered two Kalashnikov assault rifles in the airport lounge, and two men were arrested at around 11 AM one mile away from the Maelbeek station.
Due to the severity of these events, a spokesman for David Cameron recommended Britons to avoid any travels to Belgium, unless necessary.
The metro station where the terrorist attack took place is near to the European Union headquarters. In fear of other similar attacks, the entire metro system has been shut down temporarily. Other public places were closed, like universities, commercial centers and shops as a precaution. Those that needed to remain functional are constantly guarded by security forces.
The Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel stated the attacks as “blind, violent, and cowardly”. He also warned that more such attacks will come.
As telephone lines were down, Facebook initiated a “safety check” status through which people could let their loved ones know they were safe.
US President Barrack Obama and the US Democrat leader Hilary Clinton expressed their support for Belgium in the fight against terrorism.
