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More than 30 killed in bombings in Brussels

More than 30 people have been killed and scores more injured after explosions rocked the main airport and a metro station in the Belgian capital of Brussels on Tuesday.

The small European country has raised its terror threat to the highest level with the Prime Minister, Charles Michel, calling the attacks “blind, violent, cowardly” and a “tragic moment” in the country’s history. The country has declared three days of mourning.

Two explosions shook the departure hall at Zaventum Airport around 8am on Tuesday with a further, more, deadly explosion on a peak-hour train near Maalbeek metro station about an hour later. The station lies near the main buildings of the European Union.

At least 31 people are reported as having died and some 270 were injured in the attacks. It is feared the death toll will rise due to the seriousness of injuries.

Reports said the so-called Islamic State had claimed responsibility for the attacks. Belgian authorities had launched a number of raids in response to the terror attacks and, as of Wednesday morning in Australia, at least one suspect was still at large. Two other terrorists died after detonating suicide devices at the airport.

The attacks have drawn condemnation from around the world. The 28 EU leaders issued a joint statement after the attacks in which they described them as an attack on “our open, democratic society” while French President Francois Hollande – whose country has also been the subject of recent terror attacks – said that while the attack took place in Belgium, it was “Europe” that was targeted and it was “all the world that is concerned”.

“We are facing a global threat, which requires a global response,” he said, going on to say that the war on terrorism needs to be carried out “with cold blood”.

British Prime Minister David Cameron said he was “shocked and concerned” by news of the explosions and that Britain would do “everything in can” to help while, speaking in Havana where he currently in the midst of an historic three day visit, US President Barack Obama said the attacks were another reminder that “the world must unite”.

“We must be together, regardless of nationality or race or faith, in fighting the scourge of terrorism. We can and we will defeat those who threaten the safety and security of people all around the world.”

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, who endorsed Mr Obama’s comments, said the country had “our thoughts, our prayers, and our resolute solidarity”.

A spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said the secretary-general hoped those responsible would be swiftly brought to justice and was confident that Belgium 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”.

Meanwhile Pope Francis condemned the “blind violence” of the attacks while Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, said the attacks shocked all those who “seek peace and justice” and called for prayer for those affected.

Rev Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, general secretary of the World Council of Churches, also issued a statement condemning the attacks, saying he grieved such “wicked and indiscriminate attacks on ordinary human beings” which occurred in such a way as to suggest a “deliberate targeting of the heart of Europe”.

International landmarks, including the Trevi Fountain in Rome and the Eiffel Tower in Paris, were illuminated on Tuesday night in the colours of the Belgian flag in a statement of solidarity with the country.

 

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