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Brussels attacks: police release new images of suspected airport bomber – live updates Brussels attacks: police release new images of suspected airport bomber – live updates
(35 minutes later)
2.20am GMT
02:20
Brazilian-Belgian man Sebastian Bellin suffered severe leg injuries while standing in line at a check-in counter at Zaventem airport.
The college basketball player, who reportedly played for the Belgian national team and for Oakland University in Michigan, was hit by shrapnel in the leg and hip and was left bleeding on the floor of the airport for an hour, according to his father.
Jean Bellin told CNN:
My son is doing well, considering. He went through his first operation today. Because he was left for about an hour on the floor in the airport in Brussels he lost a lot of blood. So they stabilised him and now he is going to go through another operation.
I spoke with him twice. He is obviously stunned. The first words out of his mouth were: ‘You wouldn’t believe the carnage I saw around.’
He was very clear and articulate even though he was obviously in a lot of pain. The second time I spoke to him he was obviously sedated and feeling a lot more tired.
All I know is that force of the blast where he was was sufficient to throw him 6ft [1.8m] up in to the air and he landed back and he got shrapnel in his left leg and his right hip.
Very quickly there were photos of him circulating in the Belgium press and, because we have a huge network of friends in Belgium, they reached out and sent a picture of him on the floor and asked: is that really Seb?
And that was four in the morning. California time. That is how we found out.
Updated
at 2.43am GMT
1.58am GMT1.58am GMT
01:5801:58
What we know so farWhat we know so far
Claire PhippsClaire Phipps
UpdatedUpdated
at 2.14am GMTat 2.14am GMT
1.31am GMT1.31am GMT
01:3101:31
Across Europe on Tuesday evening, the colours of the Belgian flag – black, yellow and red – have been projected on to national landmarks in a show of solidarity.Across Europe on Tuesday evening, the colours of the Belgian flag – black, yellow and red – have been projected on to national landmarks in a show of solidarity.
The image below shows a selection of these (from top left): the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, the Eiffel tower in Paris, the town council building in Belgrade, the Trevi fountain in Rome, the Royal Palace at Dam Square in Amsterdam and Rome’s Campidoglio.The image below shows a selection of these (from top left): the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, the Eiffel tower in Paris, the town council building in Belgrade, the Trevi fountain in Rome, the Royal Palace at Dam Square in Amsterdam and Rome’s Campidoglio.
1.15am GMT1.15am GMT
01:1501:15
Islamic State has issued an updated communiqué taking credit for the Brussels attacks and threatening other countries in the anti-Isis coalition, Associated Press reports.Islamic State has issued an updated communiqué taking credit for the Brussels attacks and threatening other countries in the anti-Isis coalition, Associated Press reports.
The statement promises “dark days” for countries allied against Isis, threatening that “what is coming is worse and more bitter”.The statement promises “dark days” for countries allied against Isis, threatening that “what is coming is worse and more bitter”.
The communiqué was published in Arabic and French, and an English translation was provide by the SITE Intelligence Group, which monitors jihadi websites.The communiqué was published in Arabic and French, and an English translation was provide by the SITE Intelligence Group, which monitors jihadi websites.
1.05am GMT1.05am GMT
01:0501:05
Angelique ChrisafisAngelique Chrisafis
Although no link between the attacks on Paris in November and Tuesday’s assault on Brussels has been officially confirmed, investigators will of course be looking for potential links in the planning and execution of the two.Although no link between the attacks on Paris in November and Tuesday’s assault on Brussels has been officially confirmed, investigators will of course be looking for potential links in the planning and execution of the two.
Angelique Chrisafis reports on four suspects still being sought in connection with the Paris terror attacks:Angelique Chrisafis reports on four suspects still being sought in connection with the Paris terror attacks:
Several key suspects in the Paris attacks are still on the run despite an international manhunt.Several key suspects in the Paris attacks are still on the run despite an international manhunt.
Najim Laachraoui, 24, whose nationality has not been given, was identified this week as a key suspect previously known by his alias, Soufiane Kayal. He is reported to have travelled to Syria in 2013 and was travelling with Salah Abdeslam under his alias in September 2015 when their Mercedes was stopped at the Hungarian border with Austria.Najim Laachraoui, 24, whose nationality has not been given, was identified this week as a key suspect previously known by his alias, Soufiane Kayal. He is reported to have travelled to Syria in 2013 and was travelling with Salah Abdeslam under his alias in September 2015 when their Mercedes was stopped at the Hungarian border with Austria.
Laachraoui’s DNA had been found at an apartment used by the attackers in Auvelais, near the central Belgian city of Namur, which he had rented under a false name. Traces were also found at another suspected hideout in Schaerbeek, a district of Brussels.Laachraoui’s DNA had been found at an apartment used by the attackers in Auvelais, near the central Belgian city of Namur, which he had rented under a false name. Traces were also found at another suspected hideout in Schaerbeek, a district of Brussels.
Also still being hunted by police is Mohamed Abrini, 31, a Belgian of Moroccan origin, who was described on his international arrest warrant four months ago as “dangerous and probably armed”. He is a childhood friend of Abdeslam — their families used to be next-door neighbours in Molenbeek. He disappeared after allegedly playing a key part in the planning and logistics of the attacks.Also still being hunted by police is Mohamed Abrini, 31, a Belgian of Moroccan origin, who was described on his international arrest warrant four months ago as “dangerous and probably armed”. He is a childhood friend of Abdeslam — their families used to be next-door neighbours in Molenbeek. He disappeared after allegedly playing a key part in the planning and logistics of the attacks.
Two other brothers, Khalid and Ibrahim el-Bakraoui, are also being hunted, suspected of hiring properties as hideouts for the Paris terrorist team.Two other brothers, Khalid and Ibrahim el-Bakraoui, are also being hunted, suspected of hiring properties as hideouts for the Paris terrorist team.
12.51am GMT12.51am GMT
00:5100:51
Police in Belgium have also released more images of the two men they say blew themselves up at Zaventem airport – who are, as yet, unidentified:Police in Belgium have also released more images of the two men they say blew themselves up at Zaventem airport – who are, as yet, unidentified:
12.38am GMT12.38am GMT
00:3800:38
New photos of escaped suspectNew photos of escaped suspect
Belgian police have issued these further images of the man they believe fled the airport after his bomb failed to detonate, asking: “Do you recognise this man?”Belgian police have issued these further images of the man they believe fled the airport after his bomb failed to detonate, asking: “Do you recognise this man?”
12.23am GMT12.23am GMT
00:2300:23
New warning for Americans in EuropeNew warning for Americans in Europe
The US state department has issued a fresh warning to Americans in Europe following the bombings in Brussels. It said:The US state department has issued a fresh warning to Americans in Europe following the bombings in Brussels. It said:
Terrorist groups continue to plan near-term attacks throughout Europe, targeting sporting events, tourist sites, restaurants and transportation.Terrorist groups continue to plan near-term attacks throughout Europe, targeting sporting events, tourist sites, restaurants and transportation.
In wide-ranging advice, it urged US citizens to be vigilant when in public places or using mass transportation, to avoid crowded places and to use extra caution during religious holidays and at large festivals and events.In wide-ranging advice, it urged US citizens to be vigilant when in public places or using mass transportation, to avoid crowded places and to use extra caution during religious holidays and at large festivals and events.
Its advice for US citizens currently in Brussels itself is here.Its advice for US citizens currently in Brussels itself is here.
UpdatedUpdated
at 12.26am GMTat 12.26am GMT
12.11am GMT12.11am GMT
00:1100:11
Belgium has asked EU ministers to meet to discuss the attacks, the Dutch justice minister has said on Twitter.Belgium has asked EU ministers to meet to discuss the attacks, the Dutch justice minister has said on Twitter.
Op verzoek van België organiseert NL voorzitterschap een ministeriële bijeenkomst om de aanslagen te bespreken. Mogelijk donderdagochtend alOp verzoek van België organiseert NL voorzitterschap een ministeriële bijeenkomst om de aanslagen te bespreken. Mogelijk donderdagochtend al
It is possible the meeting will take place on Thursday morning, Ard van der Steur said. The Netherlands, which currently holds the rotating European Union presidency, will organise the event.It is possible the meeting will take place on Thursday morning, Ard van der Steur said. The Netherlands, which currently holds the rotating European Union presidency, will organise the event.
12.01am GMT12.01am GMT
00:0100:01
UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon has condemned the “despicable” attacks, according to a statement issued by his office:UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon has condemned the “despicable” attacks, according to a statement issued by his office:
The despicable attacks today struck at the heart of Belgium and the center of the European Union.The despicable attacks today struck at the heart of Belgium and the center of the European Union.
The secretary-general hopes those responsible will be swiftly brought to justice.The secretary-general hopes those responsible will be swiftly brought to justice.
[Ban] is confident that Belgium’s and Europe’s commitment to human rights, democracy and peaceful coexistence will continue to be the true and lasting response to the hatred and violence of which they became a victim today.[Ban] is confident that Belgium’s and Europe’s commitment to human rights, democracy and peaceful coexistence will continue to be the true and lasting response to the hatred and violence of which they became a victim today.
The UN security council said the 15 members of the panelThe UN security council said the 15 members of the panel
expressed their solidarity to Belgium in their fight against terrorism and stressed the need to intensify regional and international efforts to overcome terrorism and violent extremism, which may be conducive to terrorism.expressed their solidarity to Belgium in their fight against terrorism and stressed the need to intensify regional and international efforts to overcome terrorism and violent extremism, which may be conducive to terrorism.
11.45pm GMT11.45pm GMT
23:4523:45
This useful graphic from Agence France-Presse shows at a glance the levels of security alert currently in place across European countries.This useful graphic from Agence France-Presse shows at a glance the levels of security alert currently in place across European countries.
Belgium has now moved to the highest level of alert – level 4 – which denotes a “serious and imminent attack” is likely.Belgium has now moved to the highest level of alert – level 4 – which denotes a “serious and imminent attack” is likely.
Other countries, including the UK, Germany, France (which remains in a state of emergency following the November attacks in Paris) and Spain have a heightened level of alert, meaning there is a serious risk of a terrorist attack.Other countries, including the UK, Germany, France (which remains in a state of emergency following the November attacks in Paris) and Spain have a heightened level of alert, meaning there is a serious risk of a terrorist attack.
Niveaux d'alerte et mesures de sécurité dans les principaux pays européens après les attaques de #Bruxelles #AFP pic.twitter.com/FvxmhXKVcPNiveaux d'alerte et mesures de sécurité dans les principaux pays européens après les attaques de #Bruxelles #AFP pic.twitter.com/FvxmhXKVcP
11.28pm GMT11.28pm GMT
23:2823:28
Australian leaders have condemned terrorist attacks in Brussels which have killed at least 31 and wounded 250 – although authorities have not yet determined if any Australians have been affected, Paul Karp reports.Australian leaders have condemned terrorist attacks in Brussels which have killed at least 31 and wounded 250 – although authorities have not yet determined if any Australians have been affected, Paul Karp reports.
Prime minister Malcolm Turnbull said:Prime minister Malcolm Turnbull said:
All Australians condemn these cowardly terrorist attacks in Brussels. And the Belgian people have our thoughts, our prayers and our resolute solidarity in this battle against terrorism.All Australians condemn these cowardly terrorist attacks in Brussels. And the Belgian people have our thoughts, our prayers and our resolute solidarity in this battle against terrorism.
They are utterly cowardly attacks, attacking innocent people, but we need to be constantly vigilant: vigilance is the key.They are utterly cowardly attacks, attacking innocent people, but we need to be constantly vigilant: vigilance is the key.
So far we have no news of Australians being killed or injured.So far we have no news of Australians being killed or injured.
Foreign minister Julie Bishop said in a statement:Foreign minister Julie Bishop said in a statement:
The Australian government condemns the coordinated terror attacks on 22 March in Belgium. Our thoughts and sympathies are with the people of Belgium.The Australian government condemns the coordinated terror attacks on 22 March in Belgium. Our thoughts and sympathies are with the people of Belgium.
The department of foreign affairs and trade is urgently seeking to determine whether any Australians have been affected.The department of foreign affairs and trade is urgently seeking to determine whether any Australians have been affected.
Australians concerned about family and friends in Brussels are advised to call the Dfat 24-hour consular emergency centre on 1300 555 135, or +61 2 6261 3305 if calling from overseas.Australians concerned about family and friends in Brussels are advised to call the Dfat 24-hour consular emergency centre on 1300 555 135, or +61 2 6261 3305 if calling from overseas.
Related: Australian leaders condemn Brussels terrorist attacks and pledge supportRelated: Australian leaders condemn Brussels terrorist attacks and pledge support
11.15pm GMT11.15pm GMT
23:1523:15
Belgium’s interior minister, Jan Jambon, has just been speaking to CNN about the manhunt that is currently underway to track the third suspect seen on airport CCTV.Belgium’s interior minister, Jan Jambon, has just been speaking to CNN about the manhunt that is currently underway to track the third suspect seen on airport CCTV.
He told CNN:He told CNN:
Based on what we found after the attacks, we had some information and we did a lot of house searches today …Based on what we found after the attacks, we had some information and we did a lot of house searches today …
It’s very dangerous to give details from the investigation because what we don’t want is to alert, maybe, terrorists that are still active in this country.It’s very dangerous to give details from the investigation because what we don’t want is to alert, maybe, terrorists that are still active in this country.
We showed a photograph [with] these three people … Two of them killed themselves, suicide bombers, and the third left a bomb in the airport but it didn’t explode, lucky. We are now looking for this guy.We showed a photograph [with] these three people … Two of them killed themselves, suicide bombers, and the third left a bomb in the airport but it didn’t explode, lucky. We are now looking for this guy.
Is the attack linked to the arrest of Paris suspect Salah Abdeslam in Brussels last week, he is asked. Jambon says he is proud of the professionalism of police and investigators. But he adds:Is the attack linked to the arrest of Paris suspect Salah Abdeslam in Brussels last week, he is asked. Jambon says he is proud of the professionalism of police and investigators. But he adds:
We are also convinced that the terrorists of IS are professionals, too, and well-trained and well-formed. So it’s a difficult battle against them but I am convinced that we will win.We are also convinced that the terrorists of IS are professionals, too, and well-trained and well-formed. So it’s a difficult battle against them but I am convinced that we will win.
Read analysis by my colleague Jason Burke here on the potential links between Abdeslam’s arrest and Tuesday’s onslaught:Read analysis by my colleague Jason Burke here on the potential links between Abdeslam’s arrest and Tuesday’s onslaught:
Related: Brussels attacks: were they revenge for Abdeslam's arrest?Related: Brussels attacks: were they revenge for Abdeslam's arrest?
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.15pm GMTat 11.15pm GMT
11.01pm GMT11.01pm GMT
23:0123:01
Details of injured AmericansDetails of injured Americans
We have some more details of Americans who were injured in the attacks. The AFP news agency has these details on three Mormon missionaries from Utah who were seriously wounded in the blasts at the airport.We have some more details of Americans who were injured in the attacks. The AFP news agency has these details on three Mormon missionaries from Utah who were seriously wounded in the blasts at the airport.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said in a statement that Mason Wells, 19, Richard Norby, 66, and Joseph Empey, 20, were accompanying a French colleague who was heading to the US and was also wounded.The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said in a statement that Mason Wells, 19, Richard Norby, 66, and Joseph Empey, 20, were accompanying a French colleague who was heading to the US and was also wounded.
AFP reports:AFP reports:
US media reports said that in a dark twist of fate, Wells had a similarly close call three years ago while in Boston accompanying his mother who was running the marathon.US media reports said that in a dark twist of fate, Wells had a similarly close call three years ago while in Boston accompanying his mother who was running the marathon.
The event was the target of a terror attack that killed three and wounded scores more.The event was the target of a terror attack that killed three and wounded scores more.
NBC News, quoting Wells’s family, said he was also in Paris in November when the French capital was rocked by a series of attacks.NBC News, quoting Wells’s family, said he was also in Paris in November when the French capital was rocked by a series of attacks.
Utah’s Deseret News daily quoted a friend of the Wells family as saying the teen and Empey had both suffered burns and other injuries.Utah’s Deseret News daily quoted a friend of the Wells family as saying the teen and Empey had both suffered burns and other injuries.
Wells “has burns to his hands and legs and some to his face”, Lloyd Coleman told the paper.Wells “has burns to his hands and legs and some to his face”, Lloyd Coleman told the paper.
“Most of the damage is around his foot and ankle. A heel took the most damage, and the doctors are repairing it, but the family doesn’t know how bad the injury is.”“Most of the damage is around his foot and ankle. A heel took the most damage, and the doctors are repairing it, but the family doesn’t know how bad the injury is.”
The US air force earlier said one of its service members from Joint Force Command Brunssum (a Nato command), the Netherlands, along with several of his relatives were also injured but their names and details of their conditions have not been released.The US air force earlier said one of its service members from Joint Force Command Brunssum (a Nato command), the Netherlands, along with several of his relatives were also injured but their names and details of their conditions have not been released.
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.19pm GMTat 11.19pm GMT
10.43pm GMT10.43pm GMT
22:4322:43
The front pages of Wednesday’s European newspapers are starting to emerge. Here are some of those from Belgium:The front pages of Wednesday’s European newspapers are starting to emerge. Here are some of those from Belgium:
De MorgenDe Morgen
Onze voorpagina van morgen #Brussel pic.twitter.com/gxb5VqcZcHOnze voorpagina van morgen #Brussel pic.twitter.com/gxb5VqcZcH
Le Soir: ‘Hold on’Le Soir: ‘Hold on’
A la Une du @lesoir ce mercredi: "#TenirBon" https://t.co/cwwapndmZo pic.twitter.com/XvuO87jujYA la Une du @lesoir ce mercredi: "#TenirBon" https://t.co/cwwapndmZo pic.twitter.com/XvuO87jujY
Het Belang van Limburg: ‘Our darkest day’Het Belang van Limburg: ‘Our darkest day’
Onze voorpagina van woensdag. #hbvl #brusselsattack pic.twitter.com/a8Fhms9khzOnze voorpagina van woensdag. #hbvl #brusselsattack pic.twitter.com/a8Fhms9khz
De Tijd: ‘Never safe’De Tijd: ‘Never safe’
Niet vergeten: om 17 uur een speciale editie van de tabletkrant. Vrije toegang voor iedereen. pic.twitter.com/otL5EZh1AzNiet vergeten: om 17 uur een speciale editie van de tabletkrant. Vrije toegang voor iedereen. pic.twitter.com/otL5EZh1Az
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.45pm GMTat 10.45pm GMT
10.20pm GMT10.20pm GMT
22:2022:20
Francis Vermeiren, the mayor of Zaventem, where the airport is located, has told reporters the suspects “came in a taxi with their suitcases, their bombs were in their bags”:Francis Vermeiren, the mayor of Zaventem, where the airport is located, has told reporters the suspects “came in a taxi with their suitcases, their bombs were in their bags”:
They put their suitcases on trolleys, the first two bombs exploded.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 did not explode.The third also put his on a trolley but he must have panicked, it did not explode.
The first two men are believed to have died in the attacks, the federal prosecutor said earlier on Tuesday.The first two men are believed to have died in the attacks, the federal prosecutor said earlier on Tuesday.
The third man, pictured wearing a light-coloured jacket and a hat in CCTV images from the airport, is thought to have escaped the scene of the explosions. Belgian police are staging a massive manhunt to find him.The third man, pictured wearing a light-coloured jacket and a hat in CCTV images from the airport, is thought to have escaped the scene of the explosions. Belgian police are staging a massive manhunt to find him.
10.04pm GMT10.04pm GMT
22:0422:04
Summary: what we know so farSummary: what we know so far
Claire PhippsClaire Phipps
10.01pm GMT10.01pm GMT
22:0122:01
Muslim leaders in Belgium unilaterally condemned the attacks in Brussels on Tuesday.Muslim leaders in Belgium unilaterally condemned the attacks in Brussels on Tuesday.
In a statement, the League of Imams in Belgium (La Ligue des Imams de Belgique), that it condemned “firmly the criminal and unspeakable acts” committed today, “which took the lives of tens of our citizens and injured countless others.”In a statement, the League of Imams in Belgium (La Ligue des Imams de Belgique), that it condemned “firmly the criminal and unspeakable acts” committed today, “which took the lives of tens of our citizens and injured countless others.”
The League added that it wanted to express “its entire solidarity and sincere condolences to the families of those struck by tragedy today” ... The League also said that, facing tragedy, the league called on “the solidarity of all the citizens of the country, of all confessions to overcome this and not to fall prey to “traps laid by those who wish to push us to the limits of tolerance and communal living.”The League added that it wanted to express “its entire solidarity and sincere condolences to the families of those struck by tragedy today” ... The League also said that, facing tragedy, the league called on “the solidarity of all the citizens of the country, of all confessions to overcome this and not to fall prey to “traps laid by those who wish to push us to the limits of tolerance and communal living.”
More on the statement here (in French).More on the statement here (in French).