We summarise the main events in the terrorist attacks on Brussels on Tuesday. At 8am local time, two explosions hit the Zaventem airport in Brussels. Belgium’s federal prosecutor saying they were suicide attacks. The airport blasts were followed by an explosion at the Maelbeek metro station. Brussels is on lockdown, with flights and international trains cancelled
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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.
European monuments are being lit up in solidarity with the victims of Tuesday’s attacks in Brussels.
In Paris:
In Berlin:
In Lyon:
Makeshift memorials have also popped up in Brussels, in tribute to the victims:
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.
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.
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.
Prosecutor's office: 'Islamic State flag and explosive device found in Schaarbeek raid'
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.”
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King Philippe: 'Belgium is in deep mourning'
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.
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.”
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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:
- There were several terrorist attacks this morning: two explosions in Zaventem and one in Maelbeek, which many killed and wounded.
- Two of the three men in the CCTV photo “very likely committed a suicide attack.’
- Van Leeuw confirmed that there is an active manhunt under way for the third man seen in CCTV footage at Zaventem airport dressed in white.
- Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attack through its media wing, but it was still “too early to make a direct connection between the attacks in Paris [in November] and today’s attacks”, Van Leeuw said. Isis’s claim of responsibility has not yet been formally verified, he said.
- There are several raids under way across the country, but Van Leeuw warned of the risks of reporting details of active operations.
- Witnesses are currently being questioned, with more being sought.
- Several explosions were heard at the airport after the initial two blasts, but these were controlled detonations by security forces, Van Leeuw said, before warning that there may yet be more controlled detonations of suspect packages.
- And with that, Van Leeuw declined to give any further information so as not to affect the ongoing investigations.
Updated
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:
- Michel announced that there will be three days of national mourning
- Belgium wants to return to a normal life as soon as possible, he said.
- Liberty has been struck at its heart, as it was in Paris recently, and was in London and Madrid in the recent past, Michel said.
- “It is a common fight, it is a fight without borders,” Michel said. Belgium is very mobilised to succeed in the face of this tragic event, which has struck us in our hearts.
- “We are determined to defend our freedom,” Michel said with tears in his eyes.
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