Multiple blasts rocked Brussels Tuesday, with two explosions at the departure hall of the city airport and a further blast at a metro station in town.

So far 34 people are reported to have been killed, with dozens more injured.

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Paris Suspect Abdeslam Will Not Fight Extradition:

Reuters reports:

Salah Abdeslam, the prime surviving suspect for November’s Paris attacks, will no longer fight extradition to France but wants to return to his home country to explain himself as soon as possible, his lawyer said on Thursday. “Salah Abdeslam has asked me to inform you that he wishes to leave for France as quickly as possible,” Sven Mary said in comments broadcast on BFM TV, speaking from Brussels.

Belgian Police Now Hunting “Third Man”:

From Reuters:

A “third man” seen with two Islamic State suicide bombers at Brussels Airport was the focus of a Belgian manhunt on Thursday after police identified three others, including two brothers, who killed at least 31 people at the airport and on a city metro train.

Statement From Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu:

Netanyahu offered his “deepest condolences to the families of the victims of the recent terrorist attacks in Brussels.”

“I think the point of departure in the battle against terrorism is this: Nothing justifies terrorism – absolutely nothing,” he said. “In Paris or Brussels or San Bernardino or Tel Aviv or Jerusalem – terror must be condemned equally and it must be fought equally.”



Bomber Brothers Had Serious Criminal Records:

“Ibrahim El Bakraoui and younger brother Khalid were no strangers to police prior to Tuesday’s suicide bombings in Brussels,” reports NBC News.

Among their criminal exploits was a 9-year sentence against Ibrahim in 2010 for shooting at the police with an assault rifle during a robbery, and Khalid getting arrested in 2011 for possession of Kalashnikov rifles, plus a 5-year prison sentence for carjacking.

The brothers also narrowly escaped capture on March 15 in a police raid and gun battle at a house Khalid was renting in Brussels.

“Wave Of Bloodshed” Headed For Europe:

The Associated Press reports that a group of European and Iraqi intelligence offifcials, along with “a French lawmaker who follows jihadi networks,” warn that ISIS has “trained at least 400 attackers and sent them into Europe.”

“The officials say the fighters have been given orders to find the right time, place and method to carry out their mission,” adds the Associated Press.

First Brussels Fatalities Identified:

The first publicly confirmed victim killed in the Brussels attacks is Adelma Marina Tapia Ruiz, a 36-year-old Peruvian mother of twin 3-year-old girls who had been living in Belgium for nine years. She was on her way to New York to visit relatives. Her daughters and husband survived the bombing, with shrapnel wounds, because the girls were playing outside the gate area, and Ruiz’s Belgian husband Christopher Delcambe had gone in search of them.

Two more victims were identified soon after Ruiz: Belgian law student Leopold Hecht, 20, who was injured at the Metro station and later succumbed to his wounds, and Olivier Delespesse, 45, a civil servant for the Federation of Wallonia-Brussels, reportedly killed at the Metro station.

The UK Independent lists a number of other individuals who are missing and feared dead after the bombings, including computer programmer David Dixon of Nottingham; a 64-year-old Belgian named Berit Viktorsson; 29-year-old Aline Bastin; Raghavendran Ganesan of India; Patricia Rizzo of Italy; 25-year-old Belgian student Sabrina Fazal; and siblings Sascha and Alexander Pinczowski of New York, who were ominously speaking with family members back home when the phone went dead.

Sky Now Says it Was Ibrahim El Bakraoui Who Was Detain in Turkey:

Turkish president says airport bomber Ibrahim El Bakraoui was detained by Turkey & later released by Belgium as "no terrorism links" found — Sky News Breaking (@SkyNewsBreak) March 23, 2016

Long Queues to Get Through Security at Brussels Station:

That's veeeery long queue to be security-checked into #Brussels Gare Central. Metro replacement buses working well pic.twitter.com/nRiIKA13sK — Ryan Heath (@PoliticoRyan) March 23, 2016

John Kerry to visit Belgium on Friday:

John Kerry will travel to Belgium on Friday to meet with Belgian and EU officials, a State Department spokesman has said.

Arrived in Moscow, focused on Syria, Ukraine, and other issues at an important moment in US-#Russia relations. pic.twitter.com/EyazFfTu7N — John Kerry (@JohnKerry) March 23, 2016

Report: Erdogan Claims Brussels Attacker Was Caught in Turkey Last June

Reuters is reporting that Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said one of the Brussels attackers had been caught in Turkey in June 2015, and deported to the Netherlands by his request.

Mr Erdogan said Turkey reported this to Belgian authorities in July 2015 and also notified Dutch authorities. He claims Belgium “ignored” Turkey’s warning that the attacker posed a threat.

He does not name the attacker.

Belgian Official Said He’d ‘Kill Every Jew’

A Belgian municipal security official from the notorious Molenbeek neighbourhood said he would kill “each and every Jew” in a Facebook debate on Friday.

The Times of Israel reports that the officer, named as Mohammed N, wrote: “The word Jew itself is dirty. If I were in Israel, frankly, I would do to the Jews what they do with the Palestinians — slaughter each and every one of them.”

The officer was going by the pseudonym Bebeto Gladiateur.

The Belgian media says he is a “guardian of the peace” – an official who maintains security and deters crime but does not wield police powers.

Polish PM: We Won’t Take Any Migrants:

Polish PM Beata Szydlo has said her country will no longer take in migrants after the Brussels attacks.

Reuters reports that Ms Szydlo told TV station Superstacja:

“Twenty-eight EU countries agreed to solve the issue through relocation. But I will say it very clearly: I do not see it possible to allow migrants in Poland at the moment.”

Haaretz: Brussels Was Warned Before Attacks

BREAKING@haaretzcom reveals that Belgian security received intelligence warning that #ISIS planned attack on airport/metro #BrusselsAttacks — Anshel Pfeffer (@AnshelPfeffer) March 23, 2016

“The security services knew, with a high degree of certainty, that attacks were planned in the very near future for the airport and, apparently, for the underground railway as well,” the paper says.

Bombings a “Good Thing” say No Borders Activists

Activists on the No Borders / Calais Migrant Solidarity Facebook page have been discussing whether yesterday’s bombing in Brussels was a “good thing,” as the chaos it caused will have enabled illegal immigrants to cross into the UK.

The discussion was prompted by Chiara Lauvergnac, a self-described “freelance troublemaker”, who wrote: “Eurostar to Brussels suspended, Lille airport is taking some of the planes due to land in Brussel airport. It could mean some chaos and good chance some people will go to UK! Sorry there is a good side to everything.”

Gemma Rourke questioned “sorry a good side to people being killed this morning?” to which fellow activist ‘Rojo Red’ replied “Whether it’s a “good side” to people being killed is really irrelevant to me,” adding: “Brussels Eurostar traffic suspended, thus a real possibility of increased traffic at Calais Eurostar. Tell your friends in the Jungle!”

Lauvergnac has also used her personal Facebook page to link to two articles suggesting that yesterday’s Islamic terrorist atrocity was a “false flag” operation fabricated by Western leaders, designed to increase support among the public for higher governmental security measures.

Another post is of an image which reads “My heart truly bleeds for what happened in Belgium… But Palestinians have faced attacks for almost 70 years from Israeli terrorists and the world is still silent.”

Euro MP Blasts Federica Mogherini: Crying Will Not Stop Islamism:

‘Crying Will Not Stop Islamism’ – Euro MPs Blast European Union Leaders https://t.co/rOerh7Wwib pic.twitter.com/UJVLm7hemL — Breitbart London (@BreitbartLondon) March 23, 2016

Interpol Notice for Bomber Went Out Before Attack

Interpol put out a red notice for Khalid El Bakraoui before the attacks took place, according to the Telegraph.

“Don’t Call it War”

Pascal Boniface, director of French think tank the Institute of International and Strategic Relations, says speaking of a war with the jihadists is a “fundamental mistake”.

Interviewed in Belgian newspaper, L’Echo, he says Europe is dealing with CRIMINALS and must be stoical as it faces the risk of further attacks.

“Calling it a war is giving the attackers the status they desire.”

Israeli Politician: Stop All Muslim Immigration to Europe:

American Husband and Wife Missing:

An American husband and wife are among those missing after the Brussels bomb attacks https://t.co/3267Co6PRB pic.twitter.com/m4aP50OyYE — Sky News (@SkyNews) March 23, 2016

Belgian King and Queen Meet Staff at Airport

The Belgian monarchy’s Twitter account has posted photos of the King and Queen meeting staff and rescue workers at Brussels Airport:

Aéroport de Bruxelles-National: hommage aux victimes et aux services de secours et de sécurité pic.twitter.com/vqD7jN6pi5 — Belgian Royal Palace (@MonarchieBe) March 23, 2016

Victims Identified:

Three victims of the Brussels attacks have been identified.

They are:

Leopold Hecht, 20, a student at Saint-Louis University

Adelma Tapia Ruiz, from Peru

Olivier Delespesse, an employee of the Federation of Wallonia-Brussels

Disparition: Olivier DELESPESSE, passé par Maelbeek et n'est jamais arriver à son travail. #AttentatsdeBruxelles pic.twitter.com/Q4zFkeUpRN — Laura Borguet (@0palina) March 22, 2016

Leopold Hecht, Saint-Louis University Student, Killed At Maalbeek Station ISIS Bombing https://t.co/JwZBsWiD2X pic.twitter.com/DRAezEjWEx — UJReview (@UJReview) March 23, 2016

Katie Hopkins: To hell with #solidarity. If Europe is willing to accept that Muslim terror is simply the new normal we can’t afford to stay part of it:

Katie Hopkins writes in today’s Mail:

Belgium is a sink hole for terror. It breeds extremists in Muslim enclaves, fuelled by imported imams with the most hellish interpretation of Islam. It welcomed back jihadis from Syria to continue their fight within Europe, to colonise, take-over not integrate. Muslims make up 26 per cent of metropolitan Brussels. The self-styled capital of Europe is now one of the most Islamic cities in Europe. But on June 23 we really do have the opportunity – probably our last – to say never again. To get out, once and for all.

Read more here

Telegraph: American Personal Trainer Fighting for Life

An American personal trainer is fighting for her life in intensive care after being caught up in the Brussels attacks, according to the Telegraph.

Karen Northshield was at Brussels airport waiting to catch a flight home for Easter when the suicide bombers struck.

Paul Tucker, who works with Miss Northshield, said: “I have been told this morning that Karen is in hospital in intensive care. She is alive but we don’t know her condition or her injuries.

“I think she was flying back to the US for the Easter holidays. She has a sister in Brussels who is with her in hospital. It’s very upsetting but that’s all I know. I don’t know what state she is in in intensive care.”

Oliver Lane reports from Brussels:

Eyewitness Brussels: A City Looking To Escape Terror https://t.co/OdS66UwVf0 pic.twitter.com/71ZIUNciZV — Breitbart London (@BreitbartLondon) March 23, 2016

Three EU Commission Officials Injured in Attacks

Three European Commission staff were injured in the metro attack yesterday, Politico.EU reports.

Commission Vice-President Kristalina Georgieva confirmed they were among the victims of the attacks, but did not provide details about the extent of their injuries.

Explosives Found Last Night:

Reuters: At a raid in the Brussels district of Schaerbeek on Tuesday night police found 15kg of explosives, 150 litres of acetone, 30 litres of oxygenated water, detonators, a suitcase filled with screws and nails as well as materials, such as plastic boxes, needed to pack up the explosives.

Home Sec: UK Threat Level Remains Severe

Home Secretary Theresa May gave statement to the house confirming the UK threat level “remains severe – which means an attack is highly likely”.

She says UK forces have “disrupted seven terrorist plots to attack the UK” in the last 18 months all of which were linked to Islamic State.

She confirmed that the government has taken “precautionary steps” including an increase in “border forces” in France and Belgium with an increased presence at airports and ports. Also that police have increase their presence at transport hubs.

She stressed neither of those moves was a response to “specific intelligence”.

Aussie PM Warns: Europe’s ‘Porous Borders’ Are An Open Gateway for Terrorists:

Aussie PM Warns: Europe’s ‘Porous Borders’ Are An Open Gateway For Terrorists https://t.co/nkVJYfYL9X pic.twitter.com/6bpdzN5OZZ — Breitbart London (@BreitbartLondon) March 23, 2016

Muslim Children Applauded Attacks, Police Warned Teacher Not to Tweet About it

A Dutch man who tweeted “How do you continue teaching when Muslim children are applauding in your class? #Attacks #zaventem” has been warned by local police not to tweet such messages again.

Ivar Mol, who tweeted the question yesterday after seeing reports on social media that Muslim children had cheered in response to news of the Belgian attacks, later explained that his question was rhetorical and intended to provoke discussion.

He later posted to Facebook: “I’ve just had a call from Paul Depla, mayor of Breda [where Mr Mol lives].

“He swore to me that the three police officers were not sent to me on his behalf. He regrets the incident highly and fully supports the freedom of expression.”

He added: “Although I believe it’s still official that a tweet was considered bad enough to send the police. And that remains a very worrisome thing.”

Photos From Our Man on the Ground:

Oliver JJ Lane is reporting from Brussels today. He has sent in these photos:

London’s Kings Cross Station Evacuated Over False Security Scare:

London’s Kings Cross station was evacuated this morning after an emergency alarm was triggered.

Panicking passengers, with Brussels on their minds, rushed out and the whole station was close.

It was later revealed, however, to be a false alarm.

Evacuation at Kings Cross following fire alarm activation. Nothing suspicious, station reopening. #KingsCross — British Transport Police (@BTP) March 23, 2016

Third Suspect Remain Unidentified:

Belgian prosecutors say Ibrahim El Bakraoui has been identified as one of two suicide bombers in Brussels airport.

He is one of the men wearing one black glove in the now-famous security photo.

His brother Khaled blew himself up on the metro train.

This means the second black-glove wearing suicide bomber in the photo has not been identified.

Police have also found a note written by Ibrahim El Bakraoui,which says: “I do not know what to do. I am on the run, people are looking for me everywhere. If I give myself up I will end up in a cell.”

Terrorists Will Get Through in UK Says Former Home Sec:

Lord Reid, who was Labour Home Secretary until just before the July 7 bombings, spoke to the BBC’s Victoria Derbyshire show.

“It will happen here because the terrorists only have to get through once. “So you can quote the statistics on how many plots have been foiled, but the terrorists will get through.” Lord Reid said terrorists were now more likely to focus on “soft targets” like the transport network and crowded public places, because the security services had been so successful at preventing “spectacular” plots, for example, mid-flight attacks on aircraft.

Abdeslam Court Appearance Postponed:

The Telegraph is reporting that Salah Abdeslam’s court appearance has been postponed by a day due to security fears.

Roger Helmer M.E.P.: Open Borders Have Brought Terror to Our Doorstep:

“The fact is that Schengen and open borders have brought terrorism to our doorstep. You cannot have security with open borders. You cannot fight terrorism with free movement of Jihadists and Kalashnikovs.

“Meantime a Telegraph headline reads “‘Questioning EU’s open borders is inappropriate’, says Cameron”. Sorry Dave. It’s not just appropriate. It’s essential.”

Read more here

Video: Every Passenger on Brussels Metro Being Searched:

American Mormon Injured in Brussels also survived two other attacks:

American Mormon injured in Brussels attacks also survived Boston and Paris bombings https://t.co/Dl9eBUKpPK pic.twitter.com/yO0LIHGCX8 — Daily Mail US (@DailyMail) March 23, 2016

Belgium-Portugal Match Cancelled:

The Royal Belgian Football Association says the planned match against Portugal on 29 March has been cancelled for security reasons.

Belgian Media Row Back on Laachraoui Arrest Reports:

La Libre Belgique said another person had been arrested instead. DH also say the man was misidentified.

Queen Elizabeth Sends Her Condolences:

The Queen and Prince Philip have sent their most sincere condolences to all affected by the #BrusselsAttacks pic.twitter.com/KdkZjGE8Qc — The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) March 23, 2016

Police in Anderlecht Photographed Outside Apartment:

https://twitter.com/warwickhs/status/712591192983257088

Brussels attacks: police remove 2 vehicles from outside apartment in Busselenbergstraat, Anderlecht. pic.twitter.com/nsVMSs6s1Y — warwick harrington (@warwickhs) March 23, 2016

The BBC’s Warrick Harrington now reports that two women were led away.

Brussels attacks: Witness to Anderlecht raid reports two women being taken away by police. — warwick harrington (@warwickhs) March 23, 2016

Video: Cities Around the World Show Solidarity:

Cities across the world have been showing solidarity with #Brussels with their own tributes to victims.https://t.co/hwEK4DoFjO — BBC Breakfast (@BBCBreakfast) March 23, 2016

Statement from King Philippe of Belgium:

“For all of us, March 22 will never again be a day like any other. Lives have been shattered, there are deep wounds, our whole country shares the suffering.

“Queen Mathilde and I share your pain, those of you who have lost a loved one or who have been hurt by today’s cowardly and odious attacks.”

Liverpool Fan Tweets Support for Brussels Bombers:

A British Muslim in Liverpool has posted a series of tweets celebrating yesterday’s attacks in Brussels. ‘Hassan Tambuwal’, who describes himself as a lifelong Liverpool Football Club fan tweeted “I was really proud of those who carried-out #BelgiumAttacks #MoretoCome” and “RIP for those who carried-out #BelgiumAttacks Germany, Denmark and UK next….”

He added: “Trending worldwide ……… LOL Western Europe” and, in Hindi, ““Kullu nafsin zaikatul maut” means – “Every soul shall taste death””.

His tweets have been retweeted hundreds of times.

This is not the first time that Hassan has tweeted in support of terrorism. Last year he called the Kouachi brothers who carried out the massacre at Charlie Hebdo “heros”, and, following last November’s Paris attacks, tweeted: “May your gentle soul rest in a perfect peace. R.I.P Abdelhamid Abaaoud #TheMasterMindOfParisAttack #JobDone”

A spokesman for Merseyside Police told the Mirror: “These tweets have been referred to Sigma Unit to establish whether a criminal offence has been identified.”

Pictures from the minute’s silence:

Minute de silence à la Bourse #TenirBon pic.twitter.com/HIX9SYLw8b — Mourad METIOUI (@Maroxellois) March 23, 2016

Tasteless Tweet from ‘Pan-African Council’ Right after Attacks:

Today we remember Belgium's genocides in Rwanda and the Congo, over 10 million black Africans massacred. #TenirBon pic.twitter.com/K7cXsALPxO — Pan-African Council (@PanAfricanOrg) March 22, 2016

Brussels Observes Minute’s Silence:

UK to Observe Minute’s Silence at 11am:

The British government has just announced that the UK will observe a hastily-arranged minute’s silence at 11am.

Missing Briton Named:

The British citizen who is still missing in Brussels has been named as David Dixon, a former British Airways employee from Hartlepool. He is believed to have been on the metro train when the bomb hit.

Brussels Deserted Today:

The beating heart of European democracy… Apparently pic.twitter.com/dWdxPuuAV9 — Oliver JJ Lane (@oliver_lane) March 23, 2016

the day after: le train, bien peu fréquenté pour un mercredi. Sentiment étrange de vide. #TenirBon @lesoir pic.twitter.com/E14fsT7Q26 — Cedric Petit (@cedricpt) March 23, 2016

4 British Nationals Injured, 1 Still Missing:

#Breaking Downing Street concerned about one missing British national following Brussels attacks and says four Britons were injured — Press Association (@PA) March 23, 2016

A No.10 spokesman said:

“We are concerned about one missing British national and we are in close contact with the Belgian authorities. We are aware of four British nationals who were injured in the attacks three are being treated in hospital, one has already been discharged. “In terms of travel advice, we continue to advise people to follow the advice of the Belgian authorities. Therefore we are no longer advising against travel to Brussels. British nationals in Belgium should remain alert and vigilant, stay away from crowded places, and follow the instructions of the Belgian authorities. “Here in the UK, we stepped up the security presence at a number of locations across the country yesterday and we will maintain this in the coming days. The national threat level remains at SEVERE (an attack is highly likely) and the public are advised to be ‘alert but not alarmed’. “Government Departments will be observing a minutes silence at 11am UK time. The Prime Minister will update MPs at the start of PMQs, followed by an oral statement from the Home Secretary later this afternoon setting out the Government’s response to the attacks.”

Laachraoui was arrested at Anderlecht:

DH newspaper says he went to Syria in February 2013, was wanted since December 4. He had been stopped under the false identity of Soufiane Kayal in early September on the Austrian-Hungarian border in the company of Salah Mohamed Abdeslam and Mohamed Belkaïd, a 35 year old Algerian shot by police in Forest. The Belgian was born on 18 May 1991 and a native of Schaerbeek.

BBC Monitoring Reports on Today’s German newspaper headlines:

German press headlines lament the “attack on the heart of Europe” while comments combine calls for stricter security measures with concerns about sacrificing basic freedoms. A commentary in conservative Die Welt criticises Belgium for not raising its alert level until after the attacks and calls for extra funding for a “calm, uncompromising fight against terror”. But centre-right Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung in turn criticises those who think the security services could have predicted the attacks, saying that they have an “unenviable task”. “It is a dark day for Europe”, it concludes. The liberal Munich paper Sueddeutsche Zeitung urges readers to remember that most victims of terrorism worldwide are Muslims.

Read more here

Minute’s Silence Today:

Brussels to observe minute’s silence for attack victims, led by King Philippe and PM Michel https://t.co/nx6APtSxP0 pic.twitter.com/09TLZCBbH0 — AFP news agency (@AFP) March 23, 2016

Main Suspect arrested:

BREAKING: Brussels bomb suspect Najim Laachraoui arrested in Brussels: Belgian newspaper – https://t.co/7GFiwGfkfv pic.twitter.com/xdCvJXUJIG — Reuters UK (@ReutersUK) March 23, 2016

Belgians Identify Two Suspected Bombers

Reuters reports that Belgian police have identified two suspected suicide bombers as Khalid and Brahim El Bakraoui.

Belgian Interior Minister: “We Never Could Have Imagined Something of This Scale”

The Telegraph quotes Belgian Interior Minister Jan Jambon saying his government knew “it was always possible that more attacks could happen, but we never could have imagined something of this scale.”

“We had no information about this, but we know that things were moving in Europe, in different countries, in France, in Germany, here,” Jambon said in an interview with RTL television.

At Least Nine Americans Injured In Brussels:

Fox News quotes US officials saying at least nine Americans were wounded in the Brussels bombings, including a military officer, five of his relatives, and three Mormon missionaries from Utah.

“The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued a statement Tuesday identifying the three American missionaries as 66-year-old Richard Norby of Lehi, 20-year-old Joseph Empey of Santa Clara and 19-year-old Mason Wells of Sandy. They were near the explosion when it occurred and have been hospitalized,” Fox reports, adding that their injuries are considered “serious.”

“We have been in touch with him and he is grateful and in good spirits… We are thankful for the outpouring of love and prayers from throughout the world, and we pray for all those affected by this tragedy,” said the family of Joseph Empey in a statement.

The United States Air Force has confirmed that one of its members, from Joint Force Command Brunssum in the Netherlands, was injured, along with his family. The victims were not named in the statement.

Belgian Mayor: Third Airport Attacker “Must Have Panicked” Because His Bomb Didn’t Explode:

The mayor of the Zaventem municipality, Francis Vermeiren, spoke about the Brussels airport bombing on Tuesday, as reported by AFP.

“They came in a taxi with their suitcases, their bombs were in their bags,” said Vermeiren. “They put their suitcases on trolleys, the first two bombs exploded. The third also put his on a trolley but he must have panicked, it didn’t explode.”

X-ray Shows Nail From Brussels Bomb Puncturing Victim’s Lung:

ABC News obtained an X-ray image from the Military Hospital in Neder-over-Hembeek in northern Brussels, showing a nail or screw from one of the bombs puncturing the lung of an unnamed victim. Terrorists are fond of packing their bombs with nails, to cause maximum carnage among victims with a cloud of shrapnel.

Belgian, European, and American Officials Advise Against Travel to Brussels:

Sky News reports that Belgian authorities are advising against travel to Brussels, a warning echoed by the British Foreign Office.

According to the Military Times, at least one American service member and his family were injured in the attack. During Tuesday morning hearings in the US House of Representatives, it was said that at least six American citizens were injured, including five military family members.

“On Tuesday EUCOM imposed travel restrictions on essentially all troops in Europe, ordering them to stay out of Brussels,” Military Times reported.

The EUCOM policy statement also applied to “DOD civilian employees, contractors, and command-sponsored dependents and family members,” but not to “military personnel assigned to diplomatic posts in Belgium.”

CNN reports Brussels public transit systems are essentially on lockdown, with the exception of a few select tram and bus lines, Eurostar rail service has been suspended until Wednesday, the airport is closed, and flights are being diverted away from Brussels.

“Brussels Airport has been shot in the heart,” said its CEO, Arnaud Feist. “We’d like to thank the police and rescue services and the people present at the terminal.”

Two British Nationals Injured In Brussels Attack:

The British Foreign Office has announced that at least two Britons were injured in the Brussels bombings.

“We are in close contact with local authorities in Brussels following the shocking attacks that have taken place, and we stand together with the Belgian people at this time. Embassy staff are providing consular assistance to two injured Britons and are ready to support any further British nationals that have been affected. British nationals should follow the advice of local security authorities and check our travel advice for updates,” said the Foreign Office, as quoted by the Telegraph.

Schaerbeek – Another Base for Jihad In Belgium:

The UK Telegraph reports raids were still ongoing after five hours in the Schaerbeek district of Brussels, which has “emerged as another jihadist hub,” alongside the infamous Molenbeek district.

“Schaerbeek, in the north-east of the Belgian capital, is the site of the Paris bomb factory discovered a month after the November 13 attacks in the French capital, and it is the childhood home of the suspected bombmaker, Najim Laachroui,” the Telegraph reports. It is hypothesized that Laachroui, who received his bomb training in Syria, may have been the man led away by police earlier today, and might be the man in the light-colored jacket depicted in security camera footage from the Brussels airport.

“Schaerbeek is also the burial-place of Abdeslam’s brother, Brahim, who blew himself up at the Comptoir Voltaire brasserie in Paris. His funeral was held there last week.”

The Telegraph describes Schaerbeek’s south side as “impoverished” and a “mainly immigrant area, home to Moroccans and people from central and west Africa. Its back streets are dilapidated and rundown, with shops selling 5-euro clothes and cheap kebabs.”

This area sits uneasily alongside eastern Schaerbeek, which is “becoming increasingly popular with young middle-class families, attracted by its affordable property prices and convenient location.”

Geert Wilders Vows to “De-Islamize the Netherlands”:

“If I become Dutch Prime Minister next year I’ll crush Islamic terrorism, close our national borders and De-Islamize The Netherlands,” said Dutch Party For Freedom leader Geert Wilders on Twitter Tuesday afternoon.

US House of Representatives Observes Moment of Silence For Brussels Victims:

House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) led his chamber in a moment of silence “in memory of the victims of the terrorist attacks in Brussels.”

TSA Sends Special Teams to US Airports, Train Stations:

After reporting earlier about elevated security measures in major cities across the United States, CNN adds that the Transportation Security Agency is “deploying terror deterrent teams to major airports and train stations nationwide, in response to the Brussels attack.”

Eiffel Tower Lit With Belgian Colors:

From NBC News and CNN come beautiful shots of the Eiffel Tower lit with the colors of the Belgian flag, in solidarity with the people of Brussels.

Statement from King Philippe of Belgium:

King Philippe of Belgium made a brief televised address to the nation, in which he said he and Queen Mathilde “share your pain, the pain of those who lost their loved ones and who suffered in this cowardly and horrible act of terrorism.”

“We express our support for the rescue and security services members, we express our appreciation to those who offered their help spontaneously,” the King continued. “We shall continue to respond firmly, calmly, and with dignity when faced with a threat. We shall remain confident. Our strength lies in this confidence.”

Another Explosive Device Found:

The Associated Press reports that Belgian prosecutors say “a new explosive device containing nails” was found during a Brussels search operation.

This was evidently the raid reported by the UK Telegraph, at an address in the Schaerbeek neighborhood, as police searched for “the man in the hat and light-coloured jacket shown in the photograph of the three suspects at the airport.” An arrest was made on the premises, but it’s not known if this was the man from the photo.

Sky News reports an ISIS flag, and some sort of “chemical products,” were also recovered in the raid.

Statement From Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel:

Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel mourned the “broken lives in full flight… cut down by the most extreme barbarity” at a press conference on Tuesday afternoon.

“Maximum level alert 4 is confirmed,” said the Prime Minister. “The crisis centre and security services we have taken several extra measures. I confirm the presence of our soldiers, of tighter border controls with neighboring countries, and everything is being done to re-open public transport progressively.”

“I want to tell those who have chosen to be the barbarous enemies of freedom, democracy and fundamental values that we will remain united, together and totally mobilised, with a deep pain in our bellies and our hearts but the total determination to protect our freedoms, to protect our way of life,” he continued.

“It is important to return to normal life as soon as possible. Freedom was struck in its heart this morning in Brussels as Paris was a few months ago, as London or Spain were in their turn. This is a common fight.”

Belgian Prime Minister: Maximum Terror Alert Level Confirmed:

Belgian PM Charles Michel told a press conference: “The crisis centre and security services we have taken several extra measures. I confirm the presence of our soldiers, of tighter border controls with neighboring countries, and everything is being done to re-open public transport progressively.”

Belgian Prosecutor: Two Suspects Dead, Third at Large:

BREAKING: Belgian federal prosecutor says believes two attackers blew up at Brussels airport, third being hunted. https://t.co/Cvm0sQLL9L — Reuters Top News (@Reuters) March 22, 2016

Geert Wilders for Breitbart: ‘We Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet’:

Geert Wilders On Brussels Attacks For Breitbart: ‘We Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet’ https://t.co/Ua4qWjXfLU pic.twitter.com/R4J7zXpPMU — Breitbart London (@BreitbartLondon) March 22, 2016

Look at their hands:

You’ll notice two of the suspects are dressed almost identically, including wearing gloves on one hand but not the other.

Belgian federal police spox confirms to @ABC photo shows possible suspects from #BrusselsAirport attack. pic.twitter.com/fqq71KgeP1 — Jon Williams (@WilliamsJon) March 22, 2016

Have you seen this man?

Belgian police are particularly keen to find this man.

https://twitter.com/police_temoin/status/712322827744108544?ref_src=twsrc^tfw

Archbishop of Canterbury: “Justice and Forgiveness Walk Hand-in-Hand”:

‘Police Raids Underway’:

The Telegraph is reporting that police raids are currently underway in Brussels.

Rod Liddle: ‘Brussels Has Become a Cesspit of Islamic Extremism’:

In an uncompromising blog for The Spectator website, Rod Liddle writes:

It was only a matter of time before Brussels got the suicide-bomb allahu akbar treatment, as the Belgians knew full well. Part of the city – especially Molenbeek – is a cesspit of Islamic extremism. The authorities have been content to let such areas fester and until recently the police were noticeable by their absence. Quite aside from the Isis-inspired suicide bombers, a whole crescent (suitably enough) along the north-west seaboard of Europe has proved fertile ground for the Arab European League, a violently anti-Semitic and anti-western Islamist movement which has attracted scant attention, despite its typically vile programme. From Lille in the south, via Brussels, Antwerp, The Hague all the way to Rotterdam, whole towns and suburbs have Muslim populations in excess of 40 per cent. Political parties which have opposed this colonisation (such as Vlaams Belang) are excluded from government and denied airtime.

Read more here

Report: New Security Measures for U.S. Airports:

Obama administration to announce new security measures at U.S. airports following Brussels attacks: source https://t.co/RXIJECpbCr — Reuters Top News (@Reuters) March 22, 2016

Number 1 Trending in the UK Right Now: #StopIslam

UK Foreign Office warns against non-essential travel to Brussels:

Foreign Office advising against “all but essential travel” to Brussels in the wake of the attacks. It also advises Brits to “remain alert and vigilant, stay away from crowded places and avoid public transport at this time.”

Islamic State Tech Team Issues Message to “Brothers in Belgium”:

IS tech support team calls for “brothers in Belgium” to use encryption, and “stay away from social media” pic.twitter.com/QONYS9Y2NN — Michael S. Smith II (@MichaelSSmithII) March 22, 2016

Flags at Half Mast over UK Government Buildings:

UK sympathies & condolences with all those affected by #brusselsattack. Union flag at half-mast over @foreignoffice pic.twitter.com/8gDGAkxdpZ — Foreign Office (FCO) (@foreignoffice) March 22, 2016

Eurostar services have resumed:

#Eurostar rail services to and from #Brussels have resumed and customers are advised to allow extra time for added security checks — Sky News Newsdesk (@SkyNewsBreak) March 22, 2016

Confirmed: Third Bomb Safely Destroyed:

A third bomb, believed to be a suicide vest, was destroyed at Brussels Airport, the provincial governor of Brussels has confirmed.

Brussels Airport to Stay Closed:

Brussels Airport will stay closed tomorrow, chief executive of Brussels Airport Company Arnaud Feist told reporters.

On behalf of the entire airport community, I would like to extend our warmest condolences to the family and friends of the victims of these cowardly and heinous acts. I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the emergency and rescue services, passengers and staff for their compassion, solidarity and help. This is without doubt the blackest day in the history of Brussels Airport.

Belgian Royal Palace: King to Address Nation Tonight:

King Philippe of the Belgians will address the nation at 7pm local time tonight:

Ce soir à 19 h sur les chaînes nationales : message à la population suite aux attentats de ce matin à Bruxelles. — Belgian Royal Palace (@MonarchieBe) March 22, 2016

U.N. Middle East Refugee Official: Don’t Blame Migrants:

From The Guardian:

The UN official in charge of aiding Middle East refugees criticised people directing anger over the attacks at those fleeing Syria’s bloody civil war or violence elsewhere in the region. Amin Awad, the Middle East and North Africa bureau and regional refugee coordinator for Syria, said: “To lump everybody together and say refugees are posing a security risk, that is not true. Any sort of hostilities [toward refugees] because of the Brussels attack or Paris attack is misplaced.”

Three Mormon Missionaries Seriously Injured:

Photos from #LDS Church on the #Brusselsattack Elder Richard Norby. Elder Joseph Empey

Elder Mason Wells. pic.twitter.com/Dr11GmYHEM — Derek Petersen (@Derek_Photog) March 22, 2016

Belgian Police have released a phorto of three suspects:

Dit zijn verdachten van aanslag in Zaventem. https://t.co/sXNekXpLDQ pic.twitter.com/RX8lUQADOr — VTM NIEUWS (@VTMNIEUWS) March 22, 2016

Islamic State Claims Responsibility:

IS ‘Claims Responsibility’ For Brussels Attacks https://t.co/Yr3cjD2hZw — Sky News (@SkyNews) March 22, 2016

Growing Shrine in the City Centre:

People are leaving flowers, candles and drawings outside the city’s Stock Exchange.

VIDEO: January Brussels Tourism Video That Tried To Persuade Visitors That City Was Safe

A tourist board video which implores “Come to Molenbeek” now seems tragically optimistic in the wake of today’s attacks. Visit Brussels, who were behind the campaign have released a statement on the attacks today saying they express support to victims of the attacks.



Three Days’ Mourning:

Belgium’s Interior Minister Jan Jambon has announced three days of national mourning.

European Foreign Policy Chief Breaks Down in Tears:

European Commission to be evacuated:

The headquarters of the European commission will be evacuated by Belgian police at 4pm local time, according to VTM news.

The Berlaymont building, where flags were lowered to half-mast earlier today, will be emptied so that police can perform a full security sweep of the building.

Pakistani politician: Europe is reaping what it has sown in terror

Taking to Twitter, Pakistani member of parliament Maiza Hameed expressed sympathy with individuals caught up in the attacks but said ultimately the West had it coming:

My sympathies wd #Brussels bombing victims!

What west did to others,now time to reap Europe caught in it wd innocent people getting killed — Maiza Hameed Gujjar (@MaizaHameed) March 22, 2016

White House: President Offers Support Against ‘Scourge of Terrorism’:

The President reaffirmed the steadfast support of the United States for Belgium, and offered any assistance necessary in investigating these attacks and bringing those responsible to justice. The President reiterated that the United States stands together with the people of Belgium, as well as Nato and the European Union, and once again pledged the full cooperation and support of the United States in our shared commitment to defeat the scourge of terrorism.

Pope Francis condemns “Blind Violence”:

In a telegram to the Archbishop of Mechelen-Brussels, the Pope “prays for the victims, the injured and their families and again condemns “blind violence which causes so much suffering.”

The Vatican Press Office says:

Learning of the attacks in Brussels, which have affected many people, His Holiness Pope Francis entrusts to God’s mercy those who died and he prays for those who have lost relatives. He expresses his deepest sympathy to the injured and their families, and all those who contribute to relief efforts, asking the Lord to bring them comfort and consolation in this ordeal. The Holy Father again condemns the blind violence which causes so much suffering and imploring from God the gift of peace, he entrusts on the bereaved families and the Belgians the benefit of divine blessings.

Blair: ‘Flabby liberalism’ helping terrorists:

Former Prime Minister Tony Blair has blamed “flabbly liberalism” for encouraging terrorists because Britain’s elite “feels guilty”.

The Mail reports that, speaking before today’s attacks, Mr Blair said many politicians are now “unwilling to take people on” because they are scared of looking intolerant.

Read more here.

French Interior Minister Promises High Security at Euro 2016:

French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve promised “very high security” at this summer’s European football championship in France.

AP reports:

Cazeneuve said that everything will be put in place during the tournament from June 10-July 10 to guarantee “collective security.” In the wake of the Paris attacks that left 130 people dead in November, tournament organisers had already strengthened security measures and made changes to fan zones. Cazeneuve said the state will contribute up to €2m for video surveillance in the designated areas for the public. Cazeneuve said Euro 2016 should bring “sportsmanship, festivities and security for teams, accompanying staff and spectators.”

Now Royal Palace Says It Was Not Evacuated:

Contrairement à certaines affirmations, le Palais Royal n'a pas été évacué. — Belgian Royal Palace (@MonarchieBe) March 22, 2016

Ted Cruz: These Are No Isolated Incidents:

The Republican Presidential Candidate Said: “Our hearts break for the men and women of Brussels this morning. Make no mistake — these terror attacks are no isolated incidents. They are just the latest in a string of coordinated attacks by radical Islamic terrorists perpetrated by those who are waging war against all who do not accept their extreme strain of Islam. Radical Islam is at war with us. For over seven years we have had a president who refuses to acknowledge this reality. And the truth is, we can never hope to defeat this evil so long as we refuse to even name it. That ends on January 20, 2017, when I am sworn in as president. We will name our enemy — radical Islamic terrorism. And we will defeat it.”

More Nuclear Power Concerns:

#Tihange #Brussels

v @BNONews Belgian nuclear power plants operating at minimum staffing levels as a precaution https://t.co/3Sc8yyZRbe — Muschelschloss 💈 (@Muschelschloss) March 22, 2016

Turkish Foreign Minister “Truly Sorry” to Hear of Attacks:

Andalou news agency reports:

Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu told reporters in Ankara on Tuesday that Turkey “is truly sorry” to hear about the Brussels terror attacks and expressed “condolences to the Belgian people.” “We need to be more determined in the fight against terrorism,” he said. Cavusoglu called for European countries not to release those suspected of being international fighters, as they do not deserve the freedom to travel. “Those who carried out the Paris attacks, essentially, were people that we had caught and handed over to Belgium,” he said. “There can be no freedom to travel for terrorists,” he added. “If you release them, they become unpredictable.”

Netanyahu: “Terrorists’ Basic Demand is That We Should Simply Disappear”:

Speaking to AIPAC via satellite, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu sent condolences to the families of those murdered in the terrorist attacks in Brussels.

“The chain of attacks from Paris to San Bernardino to Istanbul, to the Ivory Coast and now to Brussels and the daily attacks in Israel. This is one continuous assault on all of us. In all these cases the terrorists have no resolvable grievances. It’s not as if we could offer them Brussels or Istanbul or California or even the West Bank. That won’t satisfy their grievances because what they seek is our utter destruction and their total domination. Their basic demand is that we should simply disappear. Well, my friends, that’s not going to happen.”

Death toll rising:

BREAKING: Brussels mayor says at least 20 people died in subway attack near EU headquarters. — The Associated Press (@AP) March 22, 2016

ITV Has Footage of Survivors Huddling Together:

Brussels aftermath video shows survivors huddled together, telling one another: “It’s okay”.https://t.co/3Y7lEXrrjPhttps://t.co/KdqFXR9Wft — ITV News (@itvnews) March 22, 2016

Video: Scene Inside Metro Tunnel as People Evacuated:

The scene inside Brussels metro as passengers walked along the tracks following the explosion at Maelbeck stationhttps://t.co/X8AYzXGaLX — Guardian news (@guardiannews) March 22, 2016

Nuclear Plant Evacuated:

Report that nuclear plant evacuated, according to Belgian public broadcaster.

Geert Wilders: “We must close our national borders”:

Geert Wilders spoke exclusively to Breitbart London:

“I am extremely shocked by today’s events in Brussels. Travellers were murdered in cold blood at Brussels airport, commuters were killed in the metro. Once again, Islamic jihadists hit the free world very hard and slaughtered dozens of innocent people. After Paris, Boston, London, Madrid, New York, this time terror struck in Brussels. Next time it might be Amsterdam.

“It is time to act. First of all, we must close our national borders and detain all the jihadists whom we have foolishly allowed to return from Syria. We must also tell people the truth. The cause of all this bloodshed is Islam. We need to de-Islamize the West. That is the only way to safeguard our lives and protect our freedom.”

Unconfirmed Report: Suicide Vest Found:

Broadcaster VTM reports that a suicide vest, thought to belong to a third terrorist, was discovered at the airport. Police carried out a controlled explosion.

Controlled Explosion at University:

UPDATE: The explosion you just heard was a controlled initiated explosion by the bomb squad. — VUB (@VUBrussel) March 22, 2016

Belgium Begs Journalists Not to Report on ongoing Police Operations:

The Belgian Justice department is warning journalists, including foreign journalists, not to report on ongoing police investigations which could put the lives of the public or police officers at risk.

Newspaper Le Soir says it will comply:

.@lesoir décide de ne PLUS diffuser d'informations sur les perquisitions en cours https://t.co/Q6YSUN8EIv pic.twitter.com/s8asX1ZziY — Le Soir (@lesoir) March 22, 2016

Reports: University Campus Threate

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rom BBC: The Flemish-speaking Free University of Brussels (VUB) has said it has received a “specific threat” to its Etterbeek campus in the city and has advised students and staff to remain indoors or return to university buildings immediately.

Access to the campus is being restricted by security personnel, the university said on its website.

Belgian Foreign Minister: Attackers May Still Be at Large:

Didier Reynders said the authorities fear that suspects could still be at large.

He told RTBF: “The inquiry is still ongoing… because we fear that people are still at large.”

Metro User: “We Could Hear Screaming”:

David Garcia told Sky News: “We felt the sound wave of the explosion. The blast – not the noise. But we felt the tunnel pressure change in the tunnel. Then the metro convoy moved into the tunnel. We were stopped there for 15 to 20 minutes.

“After a while there started to be some smoke from the tunnel. We could hear some loud noises coming from the front of the train. From outside the train, from the tunnel.

“We were close at that moment to Maelbeek station and we could hear some people screaming in the distance. People in the train remained calm.”

Heightened Security Throughout Europe:

Brussels Terror Attacks Spur Heightened Security Throughout Europe https://t.co/gLIQnUMBSm pic.twitter.com/Sje22tqN4N — Breitbart London (@BreitbartLondon) March 22, 2016

Airport Bombs ‘Had Been Checked In’:

MailOnline quotes a witness as saying the bombs were hidden in suitcases that had just been checked in.

The man said: “The explosions were just behind the service desks, they were blown towards us. To me it is the most realistic possibility. I don’t think it was someone with a suicide vest.”

Local Media Shows Suspect Being Arrested:

Belgian Media Now Reporting 34 Dead:

Update – Belgian media reports at least 34 people have been killed in attacks on #Zaventem airport and #Maalbeek metro station in #Brussels — Sky News Newsdesk (@SkyNewsBreak) March 22, 2016

Latest Death Toll: 28:

From the Telegraph – Local media are reporting that 13 people have been killed in the airport blasts, with 81 others injured. That brings the number of dead in both attacks to 28 and the wounde

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#Brussels: Two suspects arrested a mile from the Maelbeek Metro station https://t.co/dzbKafmfUK pic.twitter.com/SdXFnPn4SD — Daily Mail Online (@MailOnline) March 22, 2016

Boris: ‘May be One UK Casualty’:

Boris Johnson says “details are very sketchy at the moment” but suggests there is a British person caught up in the attacks, does not say whether a casualty or a fatality.

London Mayor Boris Johnson has said “there may be one UK casualty” from Brussels attacks https://t.co/bP5eqcfUSI pic.twitter.com/gILMJFn97a — The Telegraph (@Telegraph) March 22, 2016

Latest Pictures:

Updated with more photographs

House Searches Ongoing:

Update – Belgian media reports house searches are ongoing in the region around the city following attacks on metro station and airport — Sky News Newsdesk (@SkyNewsBreak) March 22, 2016

Complaints of UK politicians making political capital out of attack

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In the EP this morning while terrorist explosions rock Brussels. Highlights need for pan European co-operation on counter terrorism — Lord Kirkhope (@LordKirkhope) March 22, 2016

In the EP this morning while terrorist explosions rock Brussels. Highlights need for pan European co-operation on counter terrorism — Lord Kirkhope (@LordKirkhope) March 22, 2016

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Attentats à Bruxelles: le Roi et la Reine sous le choc, le palais Royal évacué https://t.co/x5JVrZHcNd — RTBF info (@RTBFinfo) March 22, 2016

Attentats à Bruxelles: le Roi et la Reine sous le choc, le palais Royal évacué https://t.co/x5JVrZHcNd — RTBF info (@RTBFinfo) March 22, 2016

Attentats à Bruxelles: le Roi et la Reine sous le choc, le palais Royal évacué https://t.co/x5JVrZHcNd — RTBF info (@RTBFinfo) March 22, 2016

Attentats à Bruxelles: le Roi et la Reine sous le choc, le palais Royal évacué https://t.co/x5JVrZHcNd — RTBF info (@RTBFinfo) March 22, 2016

Attentats à Bruxelles: le Roi et la Reine sous le choc, le palais Royal évacué https://t.co/x5JVrZHcNd — RTBF info (@RTBFinfo) March 22, 2016

Attentats à Bruxelles: le Roi et la Reine sous le choc, le palais Royal évacué https://t.co/x5JVrZHcNd — RTBF info (@RTBFinfo) March 22, 2016

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French paper Le Monde also tweets this image:

Alan Mendoza, Director of the Henry Jackson Society, Speaks to Breitbart:

Director of the Henry Jackson Society and one of the world’s foremost counter terror experts Dr. Alan Mendoza spoke to Breitbart Radio this morning, remarking that European governments now needed to allocate additional resources to intelligence gathering, and needed to take action to reassure the public.

Remarking that the attack is a symptom of failed multiculturalism, Dr. Mendoza said: “the idea of allowing people to come into your society and to act as they please, rather than adapting has failed. We need to say when you come to our society we expect you to act in this way, and we will force you to act in this way. This is what Europeans did with every previous migrant wave, but we have stopped doing it.

“Arguments for BREXIT include the idea that you need controls of your borders… We have a problem in Britain where people have become radicalised. To say migration is purely responsible for such attacks is a red herring. The people who want to attack the United Kingdom don’t live in France or Belgium. They already live here.

“We need to get every available military option onto the streets to stabilise the situation and to give the people confidence in the authorities. And that means a very harsh response by the authorities to make sure there are no more attacks. What we know is that as soon as one attack is successful another one is planned immediately, as those people move to build on momentum”.

Kalashnikov rifle found:

A Kalashnikov rifle has been found in the departure hall at Zaventem airport, according to Belgian news channel RTBF.

Tin Tin in Tears:

French newspaper Le Monde has has shared this image of Tin Tin, Belgium’s most famous fictional character:

#PrayForBelgium

Hashtags #Brussels, #JeSuisBruxelles and #PrayForBelgium trending worldwide on Twitter.

Belgian TV appeals for aid:

Belgian TV station, Ring TV, is appealing to people living near the airport to bring blankets, water, food and essential medical supplies to a local gym being used as a shelter.

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re reporting that Belgian security forces have tightened security at nuclear plants across the country.

“Surveillance is stepped up with added security measures at nuclear plants,” the agency reported.

“Vehicles are being checked with police and army on site,” the agency added.

In February, investigators probing the Paris attacks found video footage of a senior Belgian nuclear official at the property of a key suspect.

French President: These are Attacks on the Whole of Europe:

French President: “Through the attacks on Brussels, it is Europe as a whole that has been hit.”

J’exprime mon entière solidarité avec le peuple belge. À travers les attentats de Bruxelles, c’est toute l’Europe qui est frappée. — François Hollande (@fhollande) March 22, 2016

Attacks ‘Highly Coordinated’

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om BBC: The Brussels attacks bear the hallmark of the Islamic State (IS) militant group, according to Belgian jihadist analyst Piete

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wsblad newspaper he was surprised by the nature of the operation: “I had expected that something would happen but not on this scale. This is really highly coordinated,” he said.

Mr Van Ostaeyen said the attacks were most likely a response to the counter-terror operation in Brussels last week and that they were probably “pulled together at very short notice”.

Latest Pictures:

Marine Le Pen: Belgium Hit By ‘Islamist Barbarism’:

The Front National leader has put out a statement saying her thoughts go out to victims, injured and services mobilised in response.

She calls for the immediate “real” closure of Franco-German border, for the safety of all, and reinstatement of border controls everywhere else.

She also warns that France has its own “lawlessness” areas like Molenbeek and calls for a vast police operation to start from today to investigate all of these neighbourhoods that exist “on the fringes of the Republic”.

Eiffel Tower Will Be Lit in Colours of Belgian Flag:

Anne Hildago, Mayor of Paris, tweeted: “In solidarity with the people of Brussels, tonight Paris will light the Eiffel Tower in the colours of the Belgian

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En solidarité avec les Bruxellois, #Paris illuminera ce soir @LaTourEiffel aux couleurs du drapeau belge. #NousSommesUnis — Anne Hidalgo (@Anne_Hidalgo) March 22, 2016

En solidarité avec les Bruxellois, #Paris illuminera ce soir @LaTourEiffel aux couleurs du drapeau belge. #NousSommesUnis — Anne Hidalgo (@Anne_Hidalgo) March 22, 2016

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e minister David Cameron says he will chair a COBRA meeting on #Brussels attacks later this morning — Sky News Newsdesk (@SkyNewsBreak) March 22, 2016

Video: Aftermath of the Metro Attack:

Video: Passengers Run From the Airport:

Video of aftermath at the airport:

Brussels Authorities: ‘Don’t Make Phone Calls’

Brussels residents told not to use mobile telephones for calls, just text and email, to stop overload. Children being kept in schools and people being told not to move around the city.

No claim of responsibility yet:

BBC Monitoring’s Jihadist Media Te

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o jihadist claim of responsibility yet for the airport and metro explosions in Brussels today. However, online supporters of Islamic State group (IS) have praised the blasts and appear to believe that IS was responsible for them.

Some have used the Arabic-language hashtag “#Brusselsonfire” to praise the events. IS supporters have in the past used similarly-worded hashtags to celebrate IS attacks, such as “#Parisonfire” to celebrate IS’s 13 November attacks in Paris.

If IS is indeed behind the Brussels bombings, it is likely to delay claming responsibility until the operation has been concluded: i.e. that no further attacks are planned and/or its operatives are all dead or have escaped.

By contrast, al-Qaeda supporters on Twitter have not been been active in posting about the attacks, largely flagging mainstream media reports instead.

Latest Death Toll:

‘Probably Suicide Bomber’

BREAKING: Belgian federal prosecutor says at least one airport blast was probably caused by a suicide bomber . — The Associated Press (@AP) March 22, 2016

Belgian PM: ‘Priority is Looking after Injured’:

Belgian PM Michel says at a press conference: Priority now is to look after injured and wounded as Brussels federal police investigations ongoing, no details of the investigation yet or of nationalities involved. Everything is functioning correctly for the moment and moving forward.

More explosions:

Reuters reports small blasts have been heard close the Maelbeek metro. Local media said it appeared to be the work of the police bomb squad, thought to be controlled explosio

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Video Emerges of the Evacuation:

This was the scene a short while ago, between the Arts-Lois and Maelbeek metro stations in Brussels. pic.twitter.com/aTZjqsF7Gt — Evan Lamos (@evanlamos) March 22, 2016

UKIP’s Steven Woolfe M.E.P. Speaks to Breitbart:

UKIP MEP Steven Woolfe was in his apartment across from the Maalbeek metro station when the explosion went off this morning. Speaking to Breitbart Radio, he told the network: “I was in my apartment which is 100 feet from the tube station, just across the road. I heard a loud noise which I initially thoughts was a car backfiring, but then the whole building rocked.

“I came out of the building and went across to the tube and there were people moving away very quickly. Belgian police were there in five minutes, an officer ushering us back to our flats, telling us to get indoors.

“I decided I couldn’t stay there, so I walked the five minutes to the EU buildings. By that time there were a dozen officers, and we were pushed up the street by police. At that moment a speeding red car flew past with four men wearing bulletproof vests, that followed by a police car full of men wearing suits. They were clearly very important judging by how they were getting waved through to the scen

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“As t

he road cleared an army lorry full of solders passed me, heading toward the scene.

“At that time of day you have thousands of people getting off trains to go to the Commission, heading to the restaurants and coffee shops. It was the busiest part of the day [when the bomb

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gh Mr. Woolfe said he didn’t want to get involved in political discussions so soon after the attack, he said those who believed being in the EU made them safer needed to “look at themselves in the mirror” and ask how the EU helped those dead today who won’t be going back to their families. He remarked:

“There have been huge failings [in security] and it is unclear that the city is unsafe… if you have a man who has masterminded a plot that has killed so many people in Paris, and he is able to go back to Brussels and live in an area where terrorists are known to live, and the police only eventually catch him by accident because they are tailing someone else this shows a massive security failing by the European Union”.

Putin: Attacks are “Barbaric Acts”:

Russian President Vladimir Putin has condemned what he called “barbaric acts” in Brussels, Russian news agency Interfax reports, quoting his press secretary Dmitry Peskov.

“The president resolutely condemned these barbaric acts, expressed his condolences to the Belgian people and assured King Philippe of absolute solidarity with the Belgians in these difficult hours,”

Borders Closed:

Libération newspaper is reporting that the border between France and Belgium has been closed to all traffic, including road traffic.

London’s Met Police Res

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“As a

precaution forces across the UK have increased policing presence at key locations, including transport hubs, to protect the public and provide reassurance. This is not in relation to any specific information or intelligence.

“In London specifically, the Metropolitan Police Service has mobilised additional officers, who will carry out highly visible patrols at key locations around the Capital including the transport network.The number of officers deployed will be regularly assessed.These additional officers are deployed as part of reassurance measures.

“The police presence across London and the rest of the UK is constantly under review

“We are in close liaison with the Belgium authorities and will continue to monitor the situation.

“The threat to the UK from international terrorism remains at severe as it has been since August 2014, meaning an attack is highly likely.

“We urge the public and businesses to be alert but not alarmed and report anything suspicious to the confidential Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321. In an emergency always call 999.”

Witness Speaks to Breitbart Radio:

Speaking to Breitbart Radio this morning Herman Kelly, who was in the European Commission buildings when the bombs went off said Europe’s policy of free movement of people meant in reality “free movement for fighters”. He remarked:

“The head of EUROPOL (European Police) said there are 5,000 Jihadists at large in the EU, having slipped in from Syria. There is a place in Brussels two miles from here called Molenbeek… it is where the Paris killers lived while they planned t

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ian police have said 94 returned Jihadists from Syria are living there. This is amazing to me that these people can kill people abroad, come here, and then walk free in the centre of Brussels.

“Free movement of people in Europe allows these people to travel across Europe, to move their explosives and guns across the EU. It means free movement for fighters, for guns. It allows them to move at will”.

London Steps Up Security:

BORIS JOHNSON – stepping up presence at major transport hubs and airports, but as reassurance not because of specific intelligence.

U.S. Embassy in Brussels Tweets:

AFP Have Tweeted a Map:

#NEWSGRAPHIC Explosions rock Brussels airport and metro service in Tuesday morning rush hour pic.twitter.com/fCUFNOfBoI — AFP news agency (@AFP) March 22, 2016

French reaction:

French Interior Minister says France deploying 1,600 extra police officers at borders and on transport.

Donald Tusk responds:

I am appalled by the bombings this morning at Zavantem airport and the European district in Brussels which have cost several innocent lives and injured many others.

I extend my sincerest sympathies to the relatives and friends of the victims. These attacks mark another low by the terrorists in the service of hatred and violence.

The European institutions are hosted in Brussels thanks to the generosity of Belgium’s government and its people. The European Union returns this solidarity now and will fulfill its role to help Brussels, Belgium and Europe as a whole counter the terror threat which we are all faci

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Rescue workers set up a makeshift treatment centre in a pub. Dazed and shocked morning travelers streamed from the metro entrances as police tried to set up a security cordon.

“The Metro was leaving Maelbeek station for Schuman when there was a really loud explosion,” said Alexandre Brans, 32, wiping blood from his face. “It was panic everywhere. There were a lot of people in the metro.”

Francoise Ledune, a spokeswoman for the Brussels Metro, said on BFM television that there appeared to have been just one explosion, in a car that was stopped at Maelbeek.

First responders ran through the street outside with two people on stretchers, their clothes badly torn.

Russia Reacts:

Chairman of the Duma’s foreign policy committee Alexei Pushkov tweets: “While (Nato chief Jens) Stoltenberg, is busy fighting the imaginary ‘Russian threat’ and putting troops in Latvia, under his nose in Brussels people are blown up.”

Пока Столтенберг, себя не помня, сражается с мнимой "росс. угрозой" и размещает войска в Латвии, у него под носом, в Брюсселе взрывают людей — Алексей Пушков (@Alexey_Pushkov) March 22, 2016

UKIP’s Steven Woolfe MEP Had a Near Miss:

Second bomb went off at tube opposite my flat.police ordering me to stay in flat chose to head to parliament pic.twitter.com/RZCIEdBulQ — Steven Woolfe MEP (@Steven_Woolfe) March 22, 2016

Eurostar confirms no trains to Brussels:

UPDATE: No trains are currently running to or from Brussels Midi. Brussels customers are advised to postpone, and not come to station. — Eurostar (@Eurostar) March 22, 2016

UPDATE: No trains are currently running to or from Brussels Midi. Brussels customers are advised to postpone, and not come to station. — Eurostar (@Eurostar) March 22, 2016

UPDATE: No trains are currently running to or from Brussels Midi. Brussels customers are advised to postpone, and not come to station. — Eurostar (@Eurostar) March 22, 2016

UPDATE: No trains are currently running to or from Brussels Midi. Brussels customers are advised to postpone, and not come to station. — Eurostar (@Eurostar) March 22, 2016

G

al

loway Blames the W

e

s

t

:

Those who rule us built this monstrous extremism, and continue to sustain it, in Syria and elsewhere. And their policies feed its blood-lust — George Galloway (@georgegalloway) March 22, 2016

Those who rule us built this monstrous extremism, and continue to sustain it, in Syria and elsewhere. And their policies feed its blood-lust — George Galloway (@georgegalloway) March 22, 2016

Those who rule us built this monstrous extremism, and continue to sustain it, in Syria and elsewhere. And their policies feed its blood-lust — George Galloway (@georgegalloway) March 22, 2016

Those who rule us built this monstrous extremism, and continue to sustain it, in Syria and elsewhere. And their policies feed its blood-lust — George Galloway (@georgegalloway) March 22, 2016

Those who rule us built this monstrous extremism, and continue to sustain it, in Syria and elsewhere. And their policies feed its blood-lust — George Galloway (@georgegalloway) March 22, 2016

Those who rule us built this monstrous extremism, and continue to sustain it, in Syria and elsewhere. And their policies feed its blood-lust — George Galloway (@georgegalloway) March 22, 2016

Those who rule us built this monstrous extremism, and continue to sustain it, in Syria and elsewhere. And their policies feed its blood-lust — George Galloway (@georgegalloway) March 22, 2016

Those who rule us built this monstrous extremism, and continue to sustain it, in Syria and elsewhere. And their policies feed its blood-lust — George Galloway (@georgegalloway) March 22, 2016

Those who rule us built this monstrous extremism, and continue to sustain it, in Syria and elsewhere. And their policies feed its blood-lust — George Galloway (@georgegalloway) March 22, 2016

Those who rule us built this monstrous extremism, and continue to sustain it, in Syria and elsewhere. And their policies feed its blood-lust — George Galloway (@georgegalloway) March 22, 2016

Those who rule us built this monstrous extremism, and continue to sustain it, in Syria and elsewhere. And their policies feed its blood-lust — George Galloway (@georgegalloway) March 22, 2016

Those who rule us built this monstrous extremism, and continue to sustain it, in Syria and elsewhere. And their policies feed its blood-lust — George Galloway (@georgegalloway) March 22, 2016

Those who rule us built this monstrous extremism, and continue to sustain it, in Syria and elsewhere. And their policies feed its blood-lust — George Galloway (@georgegalloway) March 22, 2016

Those who rule us built this monstrous extremism, and continue to sustain it, in Syria and elsewhere. And their policies feed its blood-lust — George Galloway (@georgegalloway) March 22, 2016

Those who rule us built this monstrous extremism, and continue to sustain it, in Syria and elsewhere. And their policies feed its blood-lust — George Galloway (@georgegalloway) March 22, 2016

Those who rule us built this monstrous extremism, and continue to sustain it, in Syria and elsewhere. And their policies feed its blood-lust — George Galloway (@georgegalloway) March 22, 2016

Those who rule us built this monstrous extremism, and continue to sustain it, in Syria and elsewhere. And their policies feed its blood-lust — George Galloway (@georgegalloway) March 22, 2016

Those who rule us built this monstrous extremism, and continue to sustain it, in Syria and elsewhere. And their policies feed its blood-lust — George Galloway (@georgegalloway) March 22, 2016

Those who rule us built this monstrous extremism, and continue to sustain it, in Syria and elsewhere. And their policies feed its blood-lust — George Galloway (@georgegalloway) March 22, 2016

Those who rule us built this monstrous extremism, and continue to sustain it, in Syria and elsewhere. And their policies feed its blood-lust — George Galloway (@georgegalloway) March 22, 2016

Those who rule us built this monstrous extremism, and continue to sustain it, in Syria and elsewhere. And their policies feed its blood-lust — George Galloway (@georgegalloway) March 22, 2016

Those who rule us built this monstrous extremism, and continue to sustain it, in Syria and elsewhere. And their policies feed its blood-lust — George Galloway (@georgegalloway) March 22, 2016

Those who rule us built this monstrous extremism, and continue to sustain it, in Syria and elsewhere. And their policies feed its blood-lust — George Galloway (@georgegalloway) March 22, 2016

T

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s

to

ry so

far

:

Th

e

sp

ec

t

re of Islamist terrorism again looms large over a European capital as reports indicate there were shouts in Arabic and shots fired before the blasts in the departure hall. The explosions are now being reported to have been suicide attacks, and occurred adjacent to the American Airlines departure desks.

Now 13 are reported dead at the airport, with a further ten at Maelbeek station.

The blasts occurred four days after the arrest in Brussels of a suspected participant in the November militant attacks in Paris that killed 130 people. Belgian police had been on alert for any reprisal a

ct

io

n.

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beek metro station / AFP

Social media showed pictures of smoke rising from the departure hall where windows had been shattered by the blasts. Passengers were seen running away down a slipway.

The airport is now in a state of lockdown with all traffic both by air and land suspended.

Shortly after the airport blasts there was a further explosion at Maelbeek metro station, one of the closest to the headquarters of the European Commission. Passengers were forced to leave trains and walk along tunnels back to their previous stations at the whole network was evacua

t

e

d.

age purporting to show evacuation of carriages on Brussels Metro this morning / Twitter

Belgium’s Interior Minister, Jan Jambon, said just yesterday the country was on high alert for a possible revenge attack following the capture of 26-year-old Abdeslam

.

“We

know that stopping one cell can … push others into action. We are aware of it in this case,” he told public radio.

“The thinking here is that it is some kind of terrorist attack – that hasn’t been verified by any of the authorities here at the airport”.

Sympathy and analysis, even just an hour after the blast was first reported is already pouring out. David Cameron offered support to the Belgian government:

I am shocked and concerned by the events in Brussels. We will do everything we can to help. — David Cameron (@David_Cameron) March 22, 2016

UKIP leader Nigel Farage retweeted a pointed message about Belgium’s lax attitude to Islamic extremism:

Brussels, de facto capital of the EU, is also the jihadist capital of Europe. And the Remainers dare to say we're safer in the EU! #Brexit — Allison Pearson (@allisonpearson) March 22, 2016

Reuters contributed to this report