Highlights
*Two explosions hit Brussels airport
*At least 14 killed and 80 injured in Zaventem airport blasts; 20 dead and 106 injured in metro station blast
*Airport on lockdown as train and plane services suspended
*Explosion also hits Maelbeek metro station close to EU
*Islamic State group claims responsibility
*The blasts come days after the capture of Salah Abdeslam, the main suspect in the Paris attacks in November
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| In photos: Brussels rocked by multiple explosions |
6:10 Belgium bombings raise security worries at US airports
Major US transportation hubs were on alert on Tuesday with police out in force, and part of Denver International Airport's main terminal was evacuated inresponse to a possible security threat.
3:48 'We're going to go after them' - US President Obama
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US President Barack Obama observes a minute's silence for the victims of the Brussels attacks prior to a baseball game in Havana, Cuba, March 22, 2016. [Photo/Agencies] |
US President Barack Obama said the US-led coalition would continue "pounding" Islamic State targets in Iraq and Syria following the attacks in Brussels, BBC reports.
"We're going to go after them," the US president told ESPN during his visit to Cuba.
IS has claimed responsibility for the attacks in the Belgian capital.
2:43 'I share your pain': King Philippe of Belgium addresses the nation
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Belgian King Philippe delivers a speech from Brussels Royal Palace following bomb attacks in Brussels and Belgium's National airport of Zaventem , Belgium March 22, 2016. [Photo/Agencies] |
In a televised address to the nation, King Philippe of Belgium said he and Queen Mathilde "share the pain" of all those who had suffered in the attacks, BBC reports.
"Today our country is in mourning. For each of us this 22 March will never be a day like any other. The broken lives. The profound injuries. This suffering is that of the whole country," he said.
"We express all our support to the members of the emergency and security services. And to all those who spontaneously offered aid" he added.
"Faced by the threat we will continue to respond together."
00:58 Image of airport attack suspects released
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An image widely published by Belgian media is said to show three men who are believed to have carried out the attack at Zaventem Airport, BBC reports.
The two men dressed in black are believed to have blown themselves up, while the man in white is thought to have escaped, RTBF reported.
The men in black both appear to be wearing a single black glove on their left hands, which some reports suggest could have been in order to conceal detonators.
00:28 King of Belgium to address the nation
King Philippe will speak at 19:00 local time (18:00 GMT). Earlier, a Royal Palace spokesperson said the King and Queen Mathilde had been left "shocked" by the attacks, BBC reports.
00:25 Unexploded airport bomb detonated by security services
Security services found and destroyed a third bomb at Zaventem Airport, the provincial governor of Brabant Flanders has said, BBC reports.
00:02 Public transport starts to resume after Brussels attacks
Railway services in Brussels were due to resume at 4:00 pm local time (1500 GMT) after they were halted following Tuesday's attacks on the Belgian capital.
National railway operator SNCB said trains would be allowed through Brussels and stations would reopen, with three exceptions.
Schuman and Luxembourg stations are located in the European district of the city, close to the scene of the Maelbeek subway explosion on Tuesday morning.
Brussels Airport railway station will also remain closed, following double explosions in the departure hall of the airport at about 8:00 this morning.
23:50 Brussels attacks 'not a surprise': UK security expert
Professor Anthony Glees, Director of the Centre for Security and Intelligence Studies at the University of Buckingham, believes Belgium’s fractured and divisive society is a reason that radical Islam could flourish under the radar screen, and the political and cultural constraints in the country are something that the Belgian government should think about. [Full story]
23:35
Islamic State group claims responsibility
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Islamic State group claims responsibility for Brussels attacks in statement issued via its A'maq news agency, BBC reports.
22:20
Obama briefed on Brussels blasts
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US President Barack Obama has sent a message of support to the people of Brussels, saying: "We can and we will defeat those who threaten the safety and security of people all around the world," BBC reports. |
21:54 Nuclear power plant in southeast Belgium evacuated
Employees of the Tihange nuclear power plant in the Belgian town of Huy in the province of Liege has been evacuated, according to reports from Flemish media outlet VTM.
The causes for the evacuation were not immediately made known.
The threat level in Belgium has been raised to the highest level 4 from the previous level 3 following explosions at Brussels airport and on a city subway train, during which at least 31 people were killed and 197 injured.
21:47 '20 people killed in metro blast' - Brussels mayor
The mayor of Brussels says 20 people have died and 106 were injured in the blast on the metro train.
Yvan Mayeur told a news conference that 17 people were severely injured.
Public broadcaster VRT says at least 34 people were killed in total, at the metro and the airport.
21:33 Army detonating explosive package at Brussels ariport
The Belgian army's explosives is carrying out a controlled explosion of a suspicious package at Brussels airport, Belgium's crisis centre reports.
Earlier, a controlled explosion was carried out close to the Maelbeek metro station folllowing the attack there.
21:23 Brussels metro bomb went off 'as train left station'
Brussels transport company STIB has given more details about the metro blast at Maelbeek station, according to Belgian broadcaster RTBF.
A three-carriage train was just leaving the station in the direction of Arts-Loi, the next stop a short distance away, when the blast happened, RTBF said.
The bomb was apparently detonated in the middle carriage, which was running along the platform at the time. The driver immediately halted the train and evacuated the first and last carriages.
21:10 Police discover unexploded suicide vest at Brussels airport - report
Police have found an unexploded suicide vest at Brussels airport, according to Belgian broadcaster VTM.
Earlier reports said a Kalashnikov rifle was also found.
21:05 US Secretary of State John Kerry 'closely monitoring the situation'
A spokesman for John Kerry, the US scretary of state, said Mr Kerry was "closely monitoring the situation and extends his condolences to all those who have fallen victim today."
He said: "State Department officials are in touch with our embassy in Brussels. The embassy released a security message this morning, recommending that individuals shelter in place and avoid all public transportation.
"US citizens are urged to be aware of local events, follow local authority instructions and to monitor local media for further developments.
"Our embassy will continue to update with further information when available. We continue to work to determine the status of all American citizens in Brussels.
"The United States stands with people of Belgium. We are ready to support the investigation as appropriate."
20:50 Brussels in lockdown after triple bombing
Belgium's crisis centre has urged people in Brussels to stay safe and stay indoors.
Schoolchildren have been urged to stay at school and office workers have been asked not to go out.
The last time Brussels went into lockdown was in November, in the aftermath of the Paris attacks. The country-wide alert level is again at its highest.
20:39 Police raids under way in Brussels in connection with attacks
Belgian police are raiding several places in Brussels following deadly blasts killing at least 26, public broadcaster RTBF reported on Tuesday.
The house searches are connected to several people suspected of being linked to the attacks on the Belgian capital earlier Friday, the report added.
20:08 Kalashnikov rifle found at airport departure lounge - report
Belgian state broadcaster RTBF is reporting that a Kalashnikov rifle has been found in Brussels airport departure hall.
The rifle, recognizable by its distinctive design, was also used by the Paris attackers.
20:00 Belgian royal family distressed by attacks
King Philippe and Queen Mathilde have issued a statement in response to the bombings. "Distressed by the odious attacks on Brussels-National and the Brussels metro. Our thoughts are with the victims, families and emergency services."
19:55 Francois Hollande: 'Terror threat requires global response'
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Speaking at a press conference, French President Francois Hollande condemned what he called the "heinous" attacks in Brussels today.
He said attacks had been directed at Belgium, but it was Europe that had been targeted and the whole world that should be concerned about the attacks.
He said there was a "global threat which necessitates a global response".
19:30
EU flags lowered to half mast
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| [Photo/twitter] |
19:27 Brussels metro: 15 dead, 55 wounded in Maelbeek bombing
The Brussels metro operator has confirmed a provisional death toll for the attack at Maelbeek station: 15 dead, 55 wounded, BBC reports.
19:25 Attacks were 'blind, violent and cowardly' - Belgian PM
Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel has urged Belgians to "be calm and show solidarity" following Tuesday morning's explosions in Brussels, in which he confirmed there were "numerous deaths and numerous people injured -- some seriously".
19:18 'Explosions may affect tourism activities'
Anthony Dworkin, a senior policy fellow specializing in European counter-terrorism at European Council on Foreign relations, says the Brussles explosion may have some impact on tourism activities intuitively, but currently there is no way to quantify or know for certain how much the impact would be. It will not have impact on business activities, as business investments tend to be long term. The significance of the explosion is that it happened under a condition when Brussels already increased its security policing, therefore it shows security in Brussels is worse than European leaders think. Increasingly frequent attacks like the Paris and Brussls attack will impact people's perception of Europe and the UK as a safe place, and impact tourism levels consequently.
19:10 Belgian federal prosecutor: 'Explosions were terror attacks'
The Belgian federal prosecutor Fredere Van Leeuw has confirmed that the three explosions this morning - two at Brussels Airport and one in the subway station Maelbeek - were terror attacks, BBC reports.
The anti-terror section of the federal prosecutor's office has opened a criminal investigation, the prosecutor's office said.
19:00 Small blasts near Maelbeek station
Small blasts, thought to be controlled explosions, have been heard close the Maelbeek metro. Local media said it appeared to be the work of the police bomb squad, Reuters reports.
18:50 No Chinese casualties: China Embassy in Belgium
China Embassy in Belgium hasn't received any report of Chinese casualties. The embassy has sent staff to the Zaventem airport to get more information. The embassy has urged citizens in Belgium to be careful and to avoid airport and crowded places. Chinese citizens can contact these numbers in case of emergency.
Belgian crisis center: +32-1771/+32-(0)25064711
China Embassy in Belgium: +32-476751182
Police: 101
18:29 UK's Cameron calls emergency COBRA meeting after Brussels attacks
British Prime Minister David Cameron, following the attacks in Brussels, called an emergency meeting of COBRA, the special government committee that handles national security at a time of crisis.
Britain's level of security alert for international terrorism is currently at severe, which means an attack is highly likely, officials said.
The COBRA committee, named after Cabinet Meeting Room A in which h it holds its meeting, groups senior cabinet ministers, intelligence service chiefs, senior police officers and members of the military, including Britain’s elite SAS army unit.
Officials said the meeting would focus on the security situation in the UK and Europe in the wake of the Brussels attacks on its airport and a metro station.
Intelligence help would be offered to the Brussels authorities as well as medical experts who specialise in blast injuries.
Heathrow and Gatwick Airports reported that security had been increased as a result of the attacks.
18:07 Belgian prime minister cancels trip to China
Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel has decided to cancel his trip to China after large explosions occured in Brussels on Tuesday morning, sources close to the prime minister told China Daily reporter Fu Jing.
Charles Michel planned to attend Boao Forum at the end of March.
Several explosions rocked Brussels airport and the metro system, leaving at least 13 dead, Belgian media said.
18:04 Airport blast 'was suicide attack' - Belgian prosecutor
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Black smoke is seen rising from the Brussels airport following explosions, in this still image made available March 22, 2016. [Photo/Agencies] |
18:00 Chinese institutions in EU urged to remain vigilant
The Mission of the People's Republic of China to the European Union urged Chinese companies and institutions to keep communication smooth and to remain careful in a notice sent on Tuesday, China Daily's Fu Jing reported. The notice said explosions occurred at Brussels airport and subway station, and Belgium has raised security alert to maximum level 4 across the country.
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[Photo/eurostar.com] |
European shares fell sharply on Tuesday, with travel and leisure stocks leading the market lower after explosions in Brussels killed several people.
17: 40 EU meetings cancelled
Belgium Parliament, prime minister's office evacuated; EU meetings in Brussels cancelled, says RT.
17:34 Eurostar cancels trains to Brussels
Eurostar cancelled trains running to and from Brussels after explosions in the city.
"No trains are currently running to or from Brussels Midi," the high speed rail service said on its Twitter feed. "Brussels customers are advised to postpone, and not come to station".
17:15 Reports of 10 dead in metro explosion: Belgian broadcaster VTM
Ten people may have been killed in an explosion on a metro train in Brussels, Belgian broadcaster VTM said, without giving more details.
The explosion happened as the train arrived at metro station during the morning rush hour, several other Belgian media reported but did not confirm the number of casualties.
17:11 Emergency contact number announced
Brussels airport has tweeted an emergency contact number for those worried about friends or relatives.
17:10 EU Commission locks down
The European Commission locked down its staff after explosions at Brussels airport and at one and possibly two metro stations close to the EU institutions, the vice president in charge of personnel tweeted.
A spokesman for officials working in the European Parliament nearby said the legislature was working normally.
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17:09 Hainan Airlines employees escape explosions, flights affected
Two employees with Hainan Airlines escaped the explosions at Zaventem airport as their ticket counter is just a few steps away, a manager in charge of the airlines' Brussels branch told China Daily reporter Fu Jing. The employees are cooperating with police as witnesses.
Flight HU492 bound for Beijing from Brussels scheduled to fly at 12:20 pm has been delayed, China Daily's Wang Wen reported. Further flying plans are not clear right now.
17:05 Thirteen dead in airport explosions
As many as 13 people were killed on Tuesday in explosions in Brussels and another 35 were severely injured, Belgian broadcaster VRT said.
16:57 Explosions carried out by suicide bomber
The explosions that killed as many as 10 people on Tuesday were carried out by a suicide bomber, Belgian broadcaster VRT said.
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A combination of four images show a close-up detail of a pice of paper falling out of the pants of a suspect apprehended by police in this still image taken from video, in Molenbeek, near Brussels, Belgium, March 18, 2016.[Photo/Agencies] |
16:33 Explosion at Brussels metro station close to EU institutions
An explosion was heard at Maelbeek metro station in Brussels, close to the EU institutions, Belgian broadcaster RTBF said. Metro operator STIB announced on Twitter that the metro was closing.
16:20 Belgium raises terror threat to highest level
Belgium has raised security alert to maximum level 4 across the country, Belga quotes the Interior Ministry as saying.
15:42 Explosions heard at Brussels airport
BRUSSELS - Explosions tore through the departure hall of Brussels airport on Tuesday, said Belgium's public broadcaster RTBF.The blasts occurred four days after the arrest in Brussels of a suspected participant in November militant attacks in Paris that killed 130 people. Belgian police had been on alert for any reprisal action.
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.
Sky News television's Alex Rossi, at the scene, said he heard two "very, very loud explosions".
"I could feel the building move. There was also dust and smoke as well...I went towards where the explosion came from and there were people coming out looking very dazed and shocked."
"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."
Video showed devastation inside the departure hall with items scattered across the floor.
Belgian media said rail traffic to the airport was suspended.
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