World Leaders Respond To Brussels Attack

Photo: Getty

This story was updated at 3:52 pm to reflect developments in the story. The city of Brussels has been shaken by three attacks this morning, at around 8am local time; two explosions at Zaventem Airport and a third at a Metro station in the suburb of Maalbeek. Current reports from the BBC claim that 10 people have been found dead at the scene of the Airport attack, and a further 20 people have been killed in the Metro blast, with 106 injured. The attacks were carried out by suicide bombers, and Islamic State group have claimed responsibility. Three days of mourning have been declared in Belgium.

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The tragic incident follows the arrest of Salah Abdeslam in the Maalbeek suburb last week – the man who was the primary suspect in the terror attacks that took place in Paris last November. Press outlets such as the Guardian have speculated that the attacks in Brussels this morning were carried out as revenge for Abdeslam's capture. "For the terrorists, the aim is to show they can still terrorise, mobilise and polarise with violence," writes Guardian foreign correspondent Jason Burke, "This is not so much about revenge, but simply demonstrating a continued capability."

In the wake of this morning's bombings, the world mourns those whose lives were taken, and celebrities, MPs and journalists have taken to Twitter to express their condolences:

My thoughts are with the proud people of #Brussels. They fought Nazis in WW2 and can see off these religious fanatics.
— Louis Theroux (@louistheroux) March 22, 2016

Shocking and sickening scenes in Brussels today. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected.
— Sadiq Khan MP (@SadiqKhan) March 22, 2016

This is a tragedy. The fact that misogynists and racists see it as an occasion to attack individuals says everything about them. #brussels
— Laurie Penny (@PennyRed) March 22, 2016

World leaders are taking a hard line response to what they believe to be deliberate acts of terror committed this morning, as others call for improved security in Brussels, home of the EU headquarters.

I am shocked and concerned by the events in Brussels. We will do everything we can to help.
— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) March 22, 2016

I will be chairing a COBRA meeting on the events in Brussels later this morning.
— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) March 22, 2016

A statement from Russian President Vladimir Putin's press department read: "The president resolutely condemned these barbaric acts, expressed his condolences to the Belgian people and assured King Philippe of absolute solidarity with the Belgians in these difficult hours."

Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel has tweeted that the Belgian "Federal Government is monitoring the situation closely." He added: "Absolute priority goes to the victims and to the aid at the airport." British Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn expressed his solidarity with those affected via Twitter:

I am extremely concerned for all caught up in unfolding events in Brussels. Solidarity with emergency services & those affected.
— Jeremy Corbyn MP (@jeremycorbyn) March 22, 2016

As did former French President Nicolas Sarkozy: "I want to express my solidarity and remind my full support to the Belgian governmental authorities - NS #Bruxelles".

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Elsewhere, debate has also followed responses to the attacks this morning, as some commentators have taken to Twitter to use the violence as evidence that Britain should leave the EU in this June's EU referendum. Below, Telegraph columnist Allison Pearson and The Sun columnist Katie Hopkins tweet about the attacks using the #brexit hashtag.

Brussels, de facto capital of the EU, is also the jihadist capital of Europe. And the Remainers dare to say we're safer in the EU! #Brexit
— Allison Pearson (@allisonpearson) March 22, 2016

Next time you hear someone say we are safer IN the EU - remember Brussels. Seen as the heart of Europe, it is now jihadi central. #brexit
— Katie Hopkins (@KTHopkins) March 22, 2016

And finally, Donald Trump's response tweet has been lambasted by Twitter as predictably unsympathetic:

Do you all remember how beautiful and safe a place Brussels was. Not anymore, it is from a different world! U.S. must be vigilant and smart!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 22, 2016

Yes,US must be vigilant & smart-and not nominate nor elect YOU#StayOutOfIt-#DonaldTrump #Brussels #BrusselsAttack
https://t.co/MR8K8hMiTa
— Bonnie Greer (@Bonn1eGreer) March 22, 2016

Below are some more of the world's responses to this morning's atrocities in Brussels, and the messages being sent to those who have lost a loved one. Meanwhile, according to the BBC, Brussels and France are on high security alert.

Thinking of the people of Brussels this morning ...hold on to each other tightly
— Annie Mac (@AnnieMac) March 22, 2016

A dark day for Brussels. Our thoughts are with the victims of this terrible attack & their families #brusselsattack pic.twitter.com/aO8SgRotNn
— Amnesty EU (@AmnestyEU) March 22, 2016

Thoughts with those affected by awful attacks in Brussels. For British people worried about friends or relatives call 020 7008 1500
— Caroline Lucas (@CarolineLucas) March 22, 2016

Sending all my love to Brussels... #lovenotwar ❤️
— daisy lowe (@daisylowe) March 22, 2016

Sad, sad news about Brussels today. Stay safe everyone! X
— Fleur (@FleurDeForce) March 22, 2016

My thoughts and prayers for Brussels this morning and for anyone killed or hurt in these terrible attacks and the families and loved ones.
— Boy George (@BoyGeorge) March 22, 2016