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Brussels attacks: Isis flag and nail bomb found in raid – live Brussels attacks: Isis flag and nail bomb found in raid – live
(35 minutes later)
7.42pm GMT
19:42
The Brussels government has invited the Belgian population to observe a minute of silence, tomorrow (Wednesday) at 12pm.
7.37pm GMT
19:37
French PM Manuel Valls will visit #Brussels on Wed as planned, will also see Belgian PM to show solidarity, as well as planned meeting at EC
7.30pm GMT
19:30
The military hospital in Neder-over-Heembeek in northern Brussels has been treating victims of Tuesday’s attacks. Here is an x-ray of a person’s chest, which shows a big nail or screw.
The Belgian federal prosecutor’s office this afternoon said that a bomb with nails in was discovered during the raids on Schaerbeek.
7.13pm GMT7.13pm GMT
19:1319:13
Belgian news organization RTBF has spoken with Christian Delhasse, the train conductor who was driving the train that came under attack in Maelbeek: Belgian news organisation RTBF has spoken with Christian Delhasse, who was driving the train that came under attack in Maelbeek:
It was 9.15am when the bomb went off. We are on lines 1-5, and the train starts up again towards Arts-Loi when the bomb went off. The conductor immediately stopped his train and its three carriages, thinking at first that it was a technical problem. He quickly realized however that it was much worse. Christian wasn’t injured and immediately went to check on his his passengers: It was 9.15am when the bomb went off. We are on lines 1-5, and the train starts up again towards Arts-Loi when the bomb went off. The conductor immediately stopped his train and its three carriages, thinking at first that it was a technical problem. He quickly realised however that it was much worse. Christian wasn’t injured and immediately went to check on his passengers:
“I did what I had to do,” Delhasse told RTBF. “Nothing happened to me, not a single wound. I immediately followed the protocols, that’s all I can say.”“I did what I had to do,” Delhasse told RTBF. “Nothing happened to me, not a single wound. I immediately followed the protocols, that’s all I can say.”
Delhasse, a Brussels resident, is under intense psychological shock. “Seeing bodies on the floor, it marks you.” Delhasse, a Brussels resident, is in intense psychological shock. “Seeing bodies on the floor, it marks you.”
Read the full report here (in French). via RTBF reporter Karim FadoulRead the full report here (in French). via RTBF reporter Karim Fadoul
UpdatedUpdated
at 7.14pm GMT at 7.40pm GMT
6.50pm GMT6.50pm GMT
18:5018:50
European monuments are being lit up in solidarity with the victims of Tuesday’s attacks in Brussels.European monuments are being lit up in solidarity with the victims of Tuesday’s attacks in Brussels.
In Paris:In Paris:
In Berlin:In Berlin:
In Lyon:In Lyon:
Makeshift memorials have also popped up in Brussels, in tribute to the victims:Makeshift memorials have also popped up in Brussels, in tribute to the victims:
UpdatedUpdated
at 6.53pm GMTat 6.53pm GMT
6.39pm GMT6.39pm GMT
18:3918:39
Sam LevinSam Levin
The governor of Utah, Gary Herbert, has confirmed that three Utahns serving as missionaries for the Mormon church were injured in the attacks in the Brussels airport:The governor of Utah, Gary Herbert, has confirmed that three Utahns serving as missionaries for the Mormon church were injured in the attacks in the Brussels airport:
“It is not uncommon for innocent victims to be targeted in these terrorist attacks, but seldom do we see people of faith who have forsaken everything—family, friends, school and careers—in order to share a message of hope and love with the world also fall victim,” Herbert said in a statement on Tuesday.“It is not uncommon for innocent victims to be targeted in these terrorist attacks, but seldom do we see people of faith who have forsaken everything—family, friends, school and careers—in order to share a message of hope and love with the world also fall victim,” Herbert said in a statement on Tuesday.
The Utahns injured are 66-year-old Richard Norby, 20-year-old Joseph Empey and 19-year-old Mason Wells, according to the Associated Press.The Utahns injured are 66-year-old Richard Norby, 20-year-old Joseph Empey and 19-year-old Mason Wells, according to the Associated Press.
“To the Norby, Empey and Wells family, please know that the state of Utah is united in prayer at this time for the health and well being of your missionaries. As Utahns, we stand together with our fellow Americans and those around the world in our resolve to put an end to these acts of terror,” Herbert said.The attacks came just before the Tuesday GOP caucus in Utah where immigration has become a particularly hot-button issue. Many Republican Mormon voters, even those with very conservative views on immigration and counter-terrorism efforts, oppose Donald Trump in part due to his outlandish proposals like banning all Muslims.“To the Norby, Empey and Wells family, please know that the state of Utah is united in prayer at this time for the health and well being of your missionaries. As Utahns, we stand together with our fellow Americans and those around the world in our resolve to put an end to these acts of terror,” Herbert said.The attacks came just before the Tuesday GOP caucus in Utah where immigration has become a particularly hot-button issue. Many Republican Mormon voters, even those with very conservative views on immigration and counter-terrorism efforts, oppose Donald Trump in part due to his outlandish proposals like banning all Muslims.
This content is cross-posted with our US politics live blog.This content is cross-posted with our US politics live blog.
6.28pm GMT6.28pm GMT
18:2818:28
Prosecutor's office: 'Islamic State flag and explosive device found in Schaarbeek raid'Prosecutor's office: 'Islamic State flag and explosive device found in Schaarbeek raid'
Jennifer RankinJennifer Rankin
The Belgian prosecutor’s office has confirmed that raids were conducted in Schaarbeek, a northern suburb of Brussels, writes the Guardian’s Brussels correspondent, Jennifer Rankin:The Belgian prosecutor’s office has confirmed that raids were conducted in Schaarbeek, a northern suburb of Brussels, writes the Guardian’s Brussels correspondent, Jennifer Rankin:
“The searches ... have led to the discovery of an explosive device containing nails, among other things. The investigators have also discovered chemical products and an Islamic State flag.”“The searches ... have led to the discovery of an explosive device containing nails, among other things. The investigators have also discovered chemical products and an Islamic State flag.”
UpdatedUpdated
at 6.46pm GMTat 6.46pm GMT
6.14pm GMT6.14pm GMT
18:1418:14
Police have re-established a security cordon at Zaventem airport after discovering a suspicious package, Flemish broadcaster VTM is reporting.Police have re-established a security cordon at Zaventem airport after discovering a suspicious package, Flemish broadcaster VTM is reporting.
The cordon had been reduced earlier this afternoon after police completed their initial security sweep of the airport, but the discovery of this package will send the process back to square one, the station is reporting.The cordon had been reduced earlier this afternoon after police completed their initial security sweep of the airport, but the discovery of this package will send the process back to square one, the station is reporting.
UpdatedUpdated
at 6.16pm GMTat 6.16pm GMT
6.10pm GMT6.10pm GMT
18:1018:10
King Philippe: 'Belgium is in deep mourning'King Philippe: 'Belgium is in deep mourning'
King Philippe of Belgium has just addressed the nation, in a brief statement:King Philippe of Belgium has just addressed the nation, in a brief statement:
He said Belgium was now in deep mourning, and said 22 March will never be the same again.He said Belgium was now in deep mourning, and said 22 March will never be the same again.
We are faced with a threat, but we will continue to work together calmly, surely and with dignity. We must continue to trust ourselves. This is our strength.”We are faced with a threat, but we will continue to work together calmly, surely and with dignity. We must continue to trust ourselves. This is our strength.”
The King also expressed his support and thanks for the emergency services: “We are so grateful for all those who have helped.”The King also expressed his support and thanks for the emergency services: “We are so grateful for all those who have helped.”
UpdatedUpdated
at 6.45pm GMTat 6.45pm GMT
5.50pm GMT5.50pm GMT
17:5017:50
Belgian prosecutor: 'Too early to make the link between Paris and today's attacks'Belgian prosecutor: 'Too early to make the link between Paris and today's attacks'
The Belgian federal prosecutor Frederic Van Leeuw has also spoken at the press conference and has given details of the attack:The Belgian federal prosecutor Frederic Van Leeuw has also spoken at the press conference and has given details of the attack:
UpdatedUpdated
at 6.43pm GMTat 6.43pm GMT
5.44pm GMT5.44pm GMT
17:4417:44
Belgian PM Charles Michel: 'We are determined to defend our freedom'Belgian PM Charles Michel: 'We are determined to defend our freedom'
Charles Michel is speaking at a press conference in Brussels, in both French and Flemish:Charles Michel is speaking at a press conference in Brussels, in both French and Flemish:
UpdatedUpdated
at 6.41pm GMTat 6.41pm GMT
5.32pm GMT
17:32
Hillary Clinton, the Democratic candidate for president and former US secretary of state, has told CNN:
“We do have to defeat Isis where they hold territory,” Clinton said, adding that the international community have to shut off the flow of foreign fighters and weapons out of Europe.
Clinton also said extremists have to be eradicated on the internet, which “has been a major tool in radicalising and propagandising.”
“We also need to do more to coordinate on intelligence with our European friends,” she said, adding that in her role as secretary of state, she urged European intelligence agencies to do more.
Clinton also said the US and Europe have to keep working with Muslim nations, to work in tandem against Isis and other jihadi groups.
“Here at home, we have to recruit everybody to be our first line of defence.”
Updated
at 5.37pm GMT
5.31pm GMT
17:31
Several media outlets are reporting that special forces and anti-terror police raids are under way in the Brussels suburb of Schaerbeek.
We’ll update as soon as we know more.
Updated
at 5.35pm GMT
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 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
Updated
at 5.38pm GMT
5.04pm GMT
17:04
Summary
This is Haroon Siddique in London, handing over to my colleague Raya Jalabi in New York.
Updated
at 5.17pm GMT
4.39pm GMT
16:39
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.
Airport CEO confirms was 3rd bomb at #BrusselsAirport which did not explode. Police detonated in controlled explosion. #BrusselsAttacks
Updated
at 4.48pm GMT
4.35pm GMT
16:35
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.
Ziet ernaar uit dat nog minstens 2 verdachten op de vlucht zijn: 1 van Maalbeek, en 1 van Zaventem #vrtnieuws
Updated
at 4.47pm GMT
4.31pm GMT
16:31
UK citizens warned against all but essential travel to Brussels
Rowena 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.
Updated
at 4.46pm GMT
4.30pm GMT
16:30
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 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:
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.
Updated
at 4.45pm GMT
4.24pm GMT
16:24
Gwyn 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
Updated
at 4.41pm GMT
4.21pm GMT
16:21
Rachel 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.
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.
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.
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.
Updated
at 4.38pm GMT