Three explosions in Brussels have left at least 34 people dead and hundreds more injured, although the mayor of Brussels, Yvan Mayeur, says it is too early to tell what the total count will be.
The first two explosions happened in the departure area of Zaventem Airport at around 8 a.m. Tuesday morning, while the third happened about an hour later in the Maelbeek metro station. At least one of the explosions was the work of a suicide bomber.
Terrorist organization ISIS has claimed responsibility for the attacks.
#BREAKING: Two loud explosions at #Zaventem airport in #Brussels pic.twitter.com/JFw9RGLjnh — Anna Ahronheim (@AAhronheim) March 22, 2016
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau responded to the tragedy, saying he’s outraged and deeply saddened by what he’s calling terrorist attacks against Brussels.
“Sophie and I join all Canadians in extending our deepest condolences to the families and friends of those killed. We also hope for a fast recovery to all those who have been injured,” he says in a statement.
“Canada stands by Belgium in this difficult time and has offered all possible assistance. We will continue to work closely with our allies and the international community to help fight and prevent terrorism here and abroad, and to bring to justice those who are responsible for planning and carrying out these senseless acts.”
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Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Ralph Goodale says there’s no reason to change Canada’s threat level, but CSIS and the RCMP are on alert.
“Canadians can be assured that when the security and intelligence sector receives a credible threat, they work with the appropriate partners to ensure the safety of our citizens,” he says. “I encourage Canadians to stay alert and stay vigilant, and to report any unusual or suspicious behaviour to local police.”
The city is widely seen as the de facto capital of the European Union, given that it is home to a number of the union’s main political institutions including the European Commission, Council of the European Union, and European Council.
The attacks come just days after the arrest of Paris terror attack suspect Salah Abdeslam in Brussels.
People have been clamouring on social media to condemn the attacks and stand in solidarity with the citizens of Brussels.
#Bruxelles (dessin de Mitch) pic.twitter.com/sv3LvKM0k2 — Bernard Mnich (@BernardMnich) March 22, 2016
#Life & #Art must go on … F*** #Terrorism ! #Art #JeSuisBruxelles #Zaventem #MannekenPis #NoAK47 #NoWar pic.twitter.com/IuC40efj4v — Mazel Galerie (@MazelGalerie) March 22, 2016
#Bruxelles L’hommage de Plantu https://t.co/sBBY9mGViE pic.twitter.com/WNoXNAwCUT — Le Monde (@lemondefr) March 22, 2016
Terror can’t kill Belgian sense of humor. Pis and love Brussels. via @esperanzah pic.twitter.com/oJTLfKsAQ0 — María Tejero Martín (@Maria_Tejero) March 22, 2016
pic.twitter.com/JlYNngIFxq — Christophe Conte (@christopheconte) March 22, 2016