Brussels, the capital of Belgium, was rocked by series of explosions—two at the Zaventem airport in Brussels and one at Maelbeek metro station near the European Union building.
The Belgian government confirmed fatalities and casualties but is yet to confirm the number. Authorities confirmed that suicide bombers attacked the airport while the cause of the explosion at the metro is still unknown.
The blasts come four days after Salah Abdeslam, the main suspect in the jihadist attacks in Paris on 13 November 2015, was captured in Brussels.
More bombs were detected by security forces at the airport. Two explosions were heard in the morning at rush hour.
According to reports, rising smoke was seen from one of the terminals of the Zaventem airport. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack. However, Belga News reported that shots were fired and ‘shouts in Arabic’ were heard before the explosions.
The airport was evacuated immediately and the passengers were led onto the tarmac. The crisis centre urged people not to come to the airport.
Airport spokeswoman Anke Fransen said, “There were two blasts in the departure hall. First aid team are in place for help.”
Belgium is now on high alert following the explosions.
