ProMASS News Bureau: Mar 23, 2016:
Belgium has launched a huge manhunt after a series of bombings ripped through Brussels airport and a metro train, killing around 35 people and injuring 130 others. Terror group – Islamic State has claimed the responsibility for the attacks. Two massive suicide blasts by attackers with bombs in their bags hit the check-in hall of Zaventem Airport yesterday.
Belgian authorities released pictures of two of the suspected suicide attackers pushing trollies through the terminal and said they are searching for a third whose bomb failed to explode. Both men died in the attacks after detonating suicide devices, a Belgian prosecutor said. Authorities say the wanted man fled the airport. At least 14 people were killed at the airport, while more than 20 died at the Maelbeek metro station. Police helicopters hovered over the city late last night and raids are under way across Belgium. Brussels airport will remain closed today as authorities are trying to assess the damage to the terminal.
AIR correspondent reports, Leaders across the world reacted with outrage. President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attacks and conveyed India’s deepest sympathies to the families of victims and the people of Belgium. European Union vowed to combat terrorism with all means necessary on a continent that has been on high alert for months.
India has issued a travel advisory asking Indian nationals living in Brussels or visiting there to exercise caution and remain alert in view of terror attacks in Brussels. The advisory specifically asked Indians in Belgium to avoid visiting crowded places, especially the city centres, and refrain from unnecessary travels and using public transport.
Jet Airways has cancelled all its flights to and from the Belgian capital till today after two of its crew members injured in the explosions.
Meanwhile, the US Department of Homeland Security stepped up security at airports across America, where major cities went on alert yesterday after deadly bombings tore through Brussels. Secretary Jeh Johnson said that we are concerned that such radicalised individuals or small groups could carry out an attack in the homeland with little warning. In Paris, the Eiffel Tower was lit up yesterday evening with Belgium’s national colours in solidarity with the victims of the Brussels attacks.
