TIA NEWS / Monitoring Desk
The terrorist organisation ISIS has claimed responsibility for the Brussels attacks. The news comes from IS’s official press office. In a statement IS speaks of several suicide attackers who carried out several bomb attacks using explosive belts and bombs, reports Belgium official media VRT news.
IS claims that fighters first opened fire at Brussels Airport and then using explosive belts several fighters blew themselves up.
IS says that the attack on Maalbeek metro station was the work of a suicide attacker. The terror outfit targeted Belgium because of its involvement in the international coalition against IS.
Meanwhile death toll in the terror attack has gone up to 34 and more than 81 others seriously injured in terrorist attacks at Brussels international airport and a city metro station.
Belgium’s Health Minister said two blasts hit Zaventem airport at about 07:00 GMT, and another struck Maelbeek metro station an hour later. The government has not confirmed casualty numbers.
Brussels Mayor Yvan Mayeur said 20 died at Maelbeek and 11 dead at the airport. Belgium has now raised its terror threat to its highest level. The attacks come four days after Salah Abdeslam, the main fugitive in the Paris attacks, was seized in Brussels. The airport and whole transport system in Brussels are closed.
Prime Minister Charles Michel called the latest attacks “blind, violent and cowardly”, adding this is a day of tragedy “a black day”and call on everyone to show calmness and solidarity.
As the terror alert in Brussels was raised to the highest level, the federal prosecutor called for the media not to share information that could jeopardize the investigation. Le Soir newspaper said it would abide by the request.
Metro stations were closed and flights to Zaventem airport diverted while the Eurostar rail service was also cancelled into and out of Brussels.
A three-day period of mourning was declared by Interior Minister Jan Jambon and residents were advised to restrict their movements.
photo VRT