Deadly Attack in Brussels

A deadly terrorist attack occurred early Tuesday morning at Brussels Zaventem Airport. Two explosions struck around 8 a.m., one near an American Airlines departure desk and the other near a Starbucks, both reportedly caused by a suicide bomber. Shortly after, a second explosion was reported at the Maelbeek Metro Station, near the European Union headquarters, only seven miles from the original blasts.

As of press time, death tolls reached 14 at the airport and 20 at the metro station, with at least 230 injured. Explosive teams are on the scene dealing with other suspicious packages and bags found in the area. It was confirmed a third bomb was found in the area and detonated in a controlled explosion. The country’s terror threat level has raised to its highest degree, with flights rerouted from the area. Those in the city are asked to use messaging and social media apps to communicate, as the phone systems are currently saturated.

Footage was released of the three suspected individuals responsible for the attack wheeling baggage carts through the airport. Two, named as brothers Khalid and Ibrahim El-Bakraoui, are assumed dead and a hunt is underway for the third, Najim Laachraoui. Reports were released earlier of Laachraoui’s arrest, but those reports were later proved to be false, and the search continues. Laachraoui is the same individual named as the maker of the bomb during last year’s Paris attack. The deceased brothers had been fleeing authorities for 10 days prior, and escaped a botched raid carried out by Belgian police March 15.

Islamic State media agencies have taken responsibility for both explosions.

Zaventem Airport remains closed the day after the attack, and will remain closed until further notice. The Brussels metro, however, is now partially open, with a high military presence. Every metro passenger is receiving a full search by military personnel.

The United Kingdom has urged its citizens to not travel to the country unless absolutely necessary. It, as well as other countries, including the United States, has substantially increased airport and ground transportation security.

The attacks come just days after the arrest of one of the suspects from last year’s similar tragedy in Paris.

Check back for more updates as the story develops.