Early Tuesday morning a deadly terrorist attack struck Brussels Zaventem Airport. Two explosions occurred at about 8 a.m.: one near an American Airlines check-in desk and another close to a Starbucks. Authorities say both were caused by suicide bombers. Shortly afterward, a third explosion was reported at Maelbeek metro station near the European Union headquarters, approximately seven miles from the airport blasts.
At publication, officials report at least 14 fatalities at the airport and 20 at the metro station, with more than 230 people injured. Bomb disposal teams are working at multiple sites after suspicious packages and unattended bags were discovered. Authorities located a third device and detonated it in a controlled explosion. Belgium’s threat level has been raised to its maximum, flights are being rerouted and the airport has been closed until further notice. Emergency services are asking residents and visitors to use messaging and social media apps where possible because phone networks are overloaded.
Security footage released by investigators shows three suspects wheeling luggage trolleys through the airport. Two of the men have been identified as brothers Khalid and Ibrahim El-Bakraoui and are believed to be dead. The third suspect, named as Najim Laachraoui, remains the subject of an active manhunt. Earlier reports mistakenly claimed Laachraoui had been arrested; authorities later retracted those reports. Investigators say Laachraoui was implicated in the construction of the explosive device used in last year’s Paris attacks. Belgian police had been pursuing the El-Bakraoui brothers following a botched raid on March 15, and the brothers had reportedly been evading capture for more than a week.
ISIS-affiliated media outlets have claimed responsibility for both the airport and metro explosions.
Zaventem Airport remains closed the day after the attacks. The Brussels metro is partially resumed but operates with heavy military and police presence; passengers are being searched thoroughly by security personnel. International responses included travel warnings and heightened security measures. The United Kingdom has advised its citizens to avoid travel to Belgium unless it is essential, and several countries, including the United States, have increased security at airports and other transport hubs.
The bombings follow recent arrests connected to last year’s Paris attacks, underscoring ongoing counterterrorism efforts across Europe. Investigations are continuing, with additional forensic work, witness interviews and security sweeps underway to identify any further threats and to determine the full sequence of events.
Authorities continue to ask for public cooperation. Anyone with information relevant to the attacks is urged to contact local law enforcement. Emergency services remain mobilized to care for the injured and secure affected areas.
Updates will follow as new information becomes available.