Islamic State Claims Responsibility for Deadly Brussels Terror Attacks - CCTV picture of suspects released
Source: abcnews.go.com
The terror group ISIS said today that its "fighters" were responsible for the terrorist attack in Belgium that claimed more than 30 lives and injured at least three Americans, according to an ISIS-affiliated website.
#IS claims responsibility for #brusselsattack, according to their media agency Amaq: @akhbar pic.twitter.com/JfGS4VDzn3
— Jenan Moussa (@jenanmoussa) March 22, 2016
The claim cannot be independently verified and there's no official word from Belgian authorities.
There were two explosions in the departure hall of Brussels Airport in Zaventem, Belgium early this morning, according to Prime Minister Charles Michel, where officials said at least 14 people were killed. Three Americans, Mormon missionaries, were "seriously injured" in the blasts, according to Eric Hawkins, a spokesman for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Media around the world are broadcasting this CCTV picture of alleged suspects in the #Brussels airport bombings. pic.twitter.com/7C6ZSuTJ0c
— euronews (@euronews) March 22, 2016
There was also an explosion on the rail tracks at the Maelbeek subway station, according to a spokeswoman for Brussels transportation department. At least 20 people were killed there, officials said.
Between the two sites, local officials estimate that more than 180 people were injured.
President Obama addressed the tragedy while on a trip to Cuba, saying the American people "stand in solidarity" with Belgian people and that the U.S. will "do whatever is necessary to support our friend and ally Belgium in bringing to justice those responsible."
The Maelbeek station, where there was an explosion on the rail tracks, is located in central Brussels near European Union offices.
The subway system has been closed entirely and Brussels airport officials have been advising people not to travel to the airport.
No claim of responsibility has been made.
Belgian Ambassador to the U.S. Johan Verbeke told reporters that "statements ... cries" had been pronounced in Arabic at the airport, "so that is the first indication of what the source is maybe, but I don't want to elaborate on that because that is definitely something that has to be further investigated."
Verbeke said he did not know what was said in Arabic.
The explosions have prompted an international response, with senior law enforcement officials in the United States confirming to ABC News that Homeland Security and FBI officials are monitoring closely. The New York Police Department has also confirmed that they are monitoring the situation closely.
President Obama has been briefed on the attacks, a White House official said.
Read more: abcnews.go.com
