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Brussels explosions: Isis claims airport and metro attacks – live updates Brussels explosions: Isis claims airport and metro attacks – live updates
(35 minutes later)
5.18pm GMT
17:18
Belgian Broadcaster VTM is reporting that a photograph released by federal prosecutors earlier today shows the two suspected suicide bombers responsible for the attack on Zaventem airport, though this has not yet been confirmed by Belgian police.
Belgian federal police spox confirms to @ABC photo shows possible suspects from #BrusselsAirport attack. pic.twitter.com/fqq71KgeP1
Liveblog: Politie België verspreidt opsporingsbericht voor verdachte aanslag Zaventem https://t.co/Uiyhue94kc pic.twitter.com/jPfjQ5TSPX
They were captured on CCTV wheeling baggage trolleys through the airport.
Belgian Police have also just appealed for help in identifying or apprehending the man seen dressed in white, who is thought to have fled the scene.
#TERRORISME Qui reconnait cet homme? https://t.co/rYdyrBSJqF pic.twitter.com/xKnAXb9eGs
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5.04pm GMT
17:04
Summary
This is Haroon Siddique in London, handing over to my colleague Raya Jalabi in New York.
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4.39pm GMT4.39pm GMT
16:3916:39
Brussels airport CEO Arnaud Feist has confirmed to ABC News that a third bomb was found at the airport and was subsequently detonated in a controlled explosion.Brussels airport CEO Arnaud Feist has confirmed to ABC News that a third bomb was found at the airport and was subsequently detonated in a controlled explosion.
Airport CEO confirms was 3rd bomb at #BrusselsAirport which did not explode. Police detonated in controlled explosion. #BrusselsAttacksAirport CEO confirms was 3rd bomb at #BrusselsAirport which did not explode. Police detonated in controlled explosion. #BrusselsAttacks
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4.35pm GMT4.35pm GMT
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A journalist with radio station VRT is reporting that the police are currently searching for two suspects. A photograph of one, seen dressed in white prior to the attack at Brussels airport, has been released by federal prosecutors.A journalist with radio station VRT is reporting that the police are currently searching for two suspects. A photograph of one, seen dressed in white prior to the attack at Brussels airport, has been released by federal prosecutors.
Radio journalist Philip Heymans says a second man, who fled the scene at Maelbeek, is also wanted by police.Radio journalist Philip Heymans says a second man, who fled the scene at Maelbeek, is also wanted by police.
Ziet ernaar uit dat nog minstens 2 verdachten op de vlucht zijn: 1 van Maalbeek, en 1 van Zaventem #vrtnieuwsZiet ernaar uit dat nog minstens 2 verdachten op de vlucht zijn: 1 van Maalbeek, en 1 van Zaventem #vrtnieuws
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at 4.47pm GMTat 4.47pm GMT
4.31pm GMT4.31pm GMT
16:3116:31
UK citizens warned against all but essential travel to BrusselsUK citizens warned against all but essential travel to Brussels
Rowena MasonRowena Mason
The Foreign Office has changed its travel advice to warn UK citizens against all but essential travel to Brussels. No 10 said Whitehall officials, police and intelligence agencies were meeting on Tuesday afternoon to discuss further their response to the attacks. Belgium has also accepted the UK’s offer of police help with the investigation into the terror incidents.The Foreign Office has changed its travel advice to warn UK citizens against all but essential travel to Brussels. No 10 said Whitehall officials, police and intelligence agencies were meeting on Tuesday afternoon to discuss further their response to the attacks. Belgium has also accepted the UK’s offer of police help with the investigation into the terror incidents.
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4.30pm GMT4.30pm GMT
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Martin Kettle writes for the Guardian that the bombers have taken advantage of Belgium being a “weak state”:Martin Kettle writes for the Guardian that the bombers have taken advantage of Belgium being a “weak state”:
Belgium’s weak state reflects the fundamental fact that roughly three-fifths of Belgium’s modern population lives in Flanders, is Flemish speaking, and has deep cultural connections with the modern Netherlands to the north; meanwhile the other two-fifths are French-speaking Walloons, once prosperous but now increasingly economically marginalised and linked culturally with France to the south. The result from day one of Belgium’s history has been a compromised federal state, loosely held together by a constitutional monarchy originally installed by the British.Belgium’s weak state reflects the fundamental fact that roughly three-fifths of Belgium’s modern population lives in Flanders, is Flemish speaking, and has deep cultural connections with the modern Netherlands to the north; meanwhile the other two-fifths are French-speaking Walloons, once prosperous but now increasingly economically marginalised and linked culturally with France to the south. The result from day one of Belgium’s history has been a compromised federal state, loosely held together by a constitutional monarchy originally installed by the British.
Belgium’s institutions inescapably reflect that disjuncture … Belgium’s inherent weakness, which dates from a distant era in European politics, is now Europe’s weakness too – and on Tuesday the terrorists showed that they know how to take advantage of it.Belgium’s institutions inescapably reflect that disjuncture … Belgium’s inherent weakness, which dates from a distant era in European politics, is now Europe’s weakness too – and on Tuesday the terrorists showed that they know how to take advantage of it.
Deborah Orr says that neither apologies nor imperialism are the solution to terror attacks:Deborah Orr says that neither apologies nor imperialism are the solution to terror attacks:
How can we pick our way through the intellectual debris that terrorist attacks leave in their wake, just as surely as they leave broken human bodies in their wake, without sounding like a cringing apologist or a bellicose imperialist? Both approaches further inflame an already appalling crisis of humanity, one that is ripping apart our politics, promoting racism, hatred and isolationism, feeding demagogues and warlords, and destroying any humane, liberal, open values that could help us to resist that which we most fear.How can we pick our way through the intellectual debris that terrorist attacks leave in their wake, just as surely as they leave broken human bodies in their wake, without sounding like a cringing apologist or a bellicose imperialist? Both approaches further inflame an already appalling crisis of humanity, one that is ripping apart our politics, promoting racism, hatred and isolationism, feeding demagogues and warlords, and destroying any humane, liberal, open values that could help us to resist that which we most fear.
It cannot, surely, be beyond the wit of the world to find the common ground we need in order to stand united against the manufacturers and retailers of hate and death and tragedy.It cannot, surely, be beyond the wit of the world to find the common ground we need in order to stand united against the manufacturers and retailers of hate and death and tragedy.
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at 4.45pm GMTat 4.45pm GMT
4.24pm GMT4.24pm GMT
16:2416:24
Gwyn TophamGwyn Topham
Calls to create new security checkpoints at airports following the Brussels attacks could be counterproductive, a leading aviation security expert has warned. Philip Baum, author of Violence in the Skies, said that it would simply make new targets outside terminals and a different approach was needed.Calls to create new security checkpoints at airports following the Brussels attacks could be counterproductive, a leading aviation security expert has warned. Philip Baum, author of Violence in the Skies, said that it would simply make new targets outside terminals and a different approach was needed.
He said:He said:
It’s ultimately down to looking for people with negative intent and we have to do that without creating new security hurdles that create new targets, such as checkpoints at the entrance to terminals.It’s ultimately down to looking for people with negative intent and we have to do that without creating new security hurdles that create new targets, such as checkpoints at the entrance to terminals.
Baum said he had huge concerns about centralised screening because of the lines it creates.Baum said he had huge concerns about centralised screening because of the lines it creates.
If you look at the Germanwings crash, Metrojet bombing [the Sinai crash] or today, people with criminal intent think outside the box, and we need to too. We need security and plainclothes personnel at entrances and within terminals – and not just at airports, but stadia or shopping centres.If you look at the Germanwings crash, Metrojet bombing [the Sinai crash] or today, people with criminal intent think outside the box, and we need to too. We need security and plainclothes personnel at entrances and within terminals – and not just at airports, but stadia or shopping centres.
To respond to this, you need sufficient numbers of individuals trained to identify unusual movements, behaviour, contact between people – both airport staff and passengers – and how to respond to it. And you need to empower security people to make unilateral decisions to take whatever physical action necessary to neutralise that person, or move people away to protect them.To respond to this, you need sufficient numbers of individuals trained to identify unusual movements, behaviour, contact between people – both airport staff and passengers – and how to respond to it. And you need to empower security people to make unilateral decisions to take whatever physical action necessary to neutralise that person, or move people away to protect them.
He said a “front of house attack” had been a threat that the aviation industry had been discussing for a considerable period of time, although such attacks within Europe had been rare since the 1985 shootings in Rome and Vienna. A suicide bomber killed 37 at Moscow’s Domodedovo International airport in 2011.He said a “front of house attack” had been a threat that the aviation industry had been discussing for a considerable period of time, although such attacks within Europe had been rare since the 1985 shootings in Rome and Vienna. A suicide bomber killed 37 at Moscow’s Domodedovo International airport in 2011.
Canine patrols in terminals would be a further effective deterrent and security measure, Baum added. “From the terrorist perspective, the dog is not like a checkpoint that you can plot your way around.”Canine patrols in terminals would be a further effective deterrent and security measure, Baum added. “From the terrorist perspective, the dog is not like a checkpoint that you can plot your way around.”
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at 4.41pm GMTat 4.41pm GMT
4.21pm GMT4.21pm GMT
16:2116:21
Rachel ObordoRachel Obordo
Andrew Carroll usually gets the metro every morning from Herrmann-Debroux to Maelbeek, where he works at the Japanese mission to the EU. He chose to sit at the back of the carriage, which he thinks may have saved his life.Andrew Carroll usually gets the metro every morning from Herrmann-Debroux to Maelbeek, where he works at the Japanese mission to the EU. He chose to sit at the back of the carriage, which he thinks may have saved his life.
I always take the smaller exit which leads to Chaussée d’Etterbeek, which is near the back and is closer to my office. Most people go through the larger exit, which leads out on to rue de la Loi, which is the main thoroughfare leading to the European commission and council headquarters.I always take the smaller exit which leads to Chaussée d’Etterbeek, which is near the back and is closer to my office. Most people go through the larger exit, which leads out on to rue de la Loi, which is the main thoroughfare leading to the European commission and council headquarters.
I arrived in Maelbeek at the usual time and hopped straight on to the escalator. A few seconds later I heard two sharp banging noises which seemed to come from behind me, and there was a sudden rush of heated air. Immediately, the escalator stopped, the lights went out and dust rained down from the ceiling. I heard several screams, and we all started running upstairs and out into the street.I arrived in Maelbeek at the usual time and hopped straight on to the escalator. A few seconds later I heard two sharp banging noises which seemed to come from behind me, and there was a sudden rush of heated air. Immediately, the escalator stopped, the lights went out and dust rained down from the ceiling. I heard several screams, and we all started running upstairs and out into the street.
The scene outside was one of shock and confusion.The scene outside was one of shock and confusion.
The floor was covered in broken glass. We kept running until we got to the Wild Geese pub about 100 metres away. People started spilling out of offices and cafes to ask us what had happened. We were all terrified. The emergency services arrived and cordoned off the area and we were forced to move further back.The floor was covered in broken glass. We kept running until we got to the Wild Geese pub about 100 metres away. People started spilling out of offices and cafes to ask us what had happened. We were all terrified. The emergency services arrived and cordoned off the area and we were forced to move further back.
I decided to try to walk to work, since it was probably safer to stay in my office than trying to walk back home. I saw many people who had been badly wounded and coated in dust from the explosions. I’m sitting in my office now, trying to process what has happened.I decided to try to walk to work, since it was probably safer to stay in my office than trying to walk back home. I saw many people who had been badly wounded and coated in dust from the explosions. I’m sitting in my office now, trying to process what has happened.
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4.14pm GMT4.14pm GMT
16:1416:14
Third bomb at airport was destroyedThird bomb at airport was destroyed
A third bomb found at the airport has been destroyed by security services, the provincial governor said, Reuters reports.A third bomb found at the airport has been destroyed by security services, the provincial governor said, Reuters reports.
4.05pm GMT4.05pm GMT
16:0516:05
Brussels airport chief executive Arnaud Feist has confirmed the airport will remain closed on Wednesday, describing today as a black day. He said:Brussels airport chief executive Arnaud Feist has confirmed the airport will remain closed on Wednesday, describing today as a black day. He said:
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.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.
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at 4.15pm GMTat 4.15pm GMT
3.51pm GMT3.51pm GMT
15:5115:51
Belgium’s Royal Palace has confirmed that King Philippe will address the nation in a live broadcast on all television channels at 7pm (1800 GMT), writes Oliver Milne.Belgium’s Royal Palace has confirmed that King Philippe will address the nation in a live broadcast on all television channels at 7pm (1800 GMT), writes Oliver Milne.
Ce soir à 19 h sur les chaînes nationales : message à la population suite aux attentats de ce matin à Bruxelles.Ce soir à 19 h sur les chaînes nationales : message à la population suite aux attentats de ce matin à Bruxelles.
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at 3.59pm GMTat 3.59pm GMT
3.44pm GMT3.44pm GMT
15:4415:44
Bernie Sanders, currently fighting for the Democratic nomination to contest the presidential election, said “the international community must come together to fight Isis”.Bernie Sanders, currently fighting for the Democratic nomination to contest the presidential election, said “the international community must come together to fight Isis”.
Full Sanders statement on attacks in Belgium: pic.twitter.com/61Pn71tCAdFull Sanders statement on attacks in Belgium: pic.twitter.com/61Pn71tCAd
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at 3.58pm GMTat 3.58pm GMT
3.35pm GMT3.35pm GMT
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This video shows the aftermath of the bombing at Zaventem airport:This video shows the aftermath of the bombing at Zaventem airport:
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3.30pm GMT3.30pm GMT
15:3015:30
Belgian police release photo of man they wish to questionBelgian police release photo of man they wish to question
Oliver Milne writes:Oliver Milne writes:
Belgian police are appealing for help in identifying a potential suspect, who could have information about the attack on Zaventem airport this morning.Belgian police are appealing for help in identifying a potential suspect, who could have information about the attack on Zaventem airport this morning.
The unknown man, seen below dressed in white, is thought to be linked to this morning’s bombing which left at least 14 people dead.The unknown man, seen below dressed in white, is thought to be linked to this morning’s bombing which left at least 14 people dead.
The identity of the two other men is unknown.The identity of the two other men is unknown.
The photograph was circulating on social media earlier this afternoon before Belgium’s federal prosecutor confirmed that the man in white was the subject of police inquiries.The photograph was circulating on social media earlier this afternoon before Belgium’s federal prosecutor confirmed that the man in white was the subject of police inquiries.
Dit zijn verdachten van aanslag in Zaventem. https://t.co/sXNekXpLDQ pic.twitter.com/RX8lUQADOrDit zijn verdachten van aanslag in Zaventem. https://t.co/sXNekXpLDQ pic.twitter.com/RX8lUQADOr
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at 3.38pm GMTat 3.38pm GMT
3.28pm GMT3.28pm GMT
15:2815:28
Islamic State claims responsibilityIslamic State claims responsibility
Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the two bomb attacks in Brussels, a news agency affiliated with the group said.Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the two bomb attacks in Brussels, a news agency affiliated with the group said.
Amaq agency said:Amaq agency said:
Islamic State fighters carried out a series of bombings with explosive belts and devices on Tuesday, targeting an airport and a central metro station in the centre of the Belgian capital Brussels.Islamic State fighters carried out a series of bombings with explosive belts and devices on Tuesday, targeting an airport and a central metro station in the centre of the Belgian capital Brussels.
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at 3.45pm GMTat 3.45pm GMT
3.26pm GMT3.26pm GMT
15:2615:26
Three Mormon missionaries based in Paris have been seriously injured in the Brussels attacks. Their families have been informed.Three Mormon missionaries based in Paris have been seriously injured in the Brussels attacks. Their families have been informed.
#BREAKING @LDSchurch 3 missionaries in the #Paris, France Mission were seriously injured in the #Brusselsattack pic.twitter.com/IlkaZ8N1y5#BREAKING @LDSchurch 3 missionaries in the #Paris, France Mission were seriously injured in the #Brusselsattack pic.twitter.com/IlkaZ8N1y5
Photos from #LDS Church on the #Brusselsattack Elder Richard Norby. Elder Joseph Empey Elder Mason Wells. pic.twitter.com/Dr11GmYHEMPhotos from #LDS Church on the #Brusselsattack Elder Richard Norby. Elder Joseph Empey Elder Mason Wells. pic.twitter.com/Dr11GmYHEM
3.16pm GMT3.16pm GMT
15:1615:16
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.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: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.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.
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3.08pm GMT3.08pm GMT
15:0815:08
Rita Katz, director of the Site intelligence group, predicts that Islamic State militants will claim responsibility for the attack based on messages of support expressed on accounts linked to the group.Rita Katz, director of the Site intelligence group, predicts that Islamic State militants will claim responsibility for the attack based on messages of support expressed on accounts linked to the group.
1) Pro-#ISIS accts/channels campaigning for #Brusselsattack: passing hashtags, images, justifications, & threats pic.twitter.com/uMAsrJ2B4E1) Pro-#ISIS accts/channels campaigning for #Brusselsattack: passing hashtags, images, justifications, & threats pic.twitter.com/uMAsrJ2B4E
2) Pro-#ISIS act: "Today the State of the Caliphate [#ISIS]...is taking revenge #Brussels #Belgium." [NO official claim though]2) Pro-#ISIS act: "Today the State of the Caliphate [#ISIS]...is taking revenge #Brussels #Belgium." [NO official claim though]
3) These reactions suggest that #ISIS likely to claim responsibility for #Brusselsattack3) These reactions suggest that #ISIS likely to claim responsibility for #Brusselsattack
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at 3.18pm GMTat 3.18pm GMT