Brussels in shock after multiple terror attacks

Citizens of Belgian capital in shock following multiple explosions at Zaventem airport and Maelbeek metro.

By Colin Mackay

22 Mar 2016

The city of Brussels is in lockdown once again, following a series of major terrorist attacks on key parts of the transport infrastructure. Just after 8:00 am, explosions in the departure hall of Brussels national airport in Zaventem killed an estimated 14 people.

Shortly afterwards, a bomb on a metro train at Maalbeek station in the heart of the EU district of the city killed 20. The airport and metro network have both been closed until further notice.

Europeans within and outside Brussels have voiced support and solidarity with the city. European Parliament President Martin Schulz said he was, "horrified by the despicable and cowardly attacks which took place in Brussels today." He added that Brussels would "stand strong."

ALDE group President Guy Verhofstadt tweeted that he was;"Appalled by the cowardly bombings in Brussels today. My thoughts are with the victims and their families. Terrorism must never prevail."

EPP Group leader Manfred Weber said, "We are shocked by the attack at Brussels Airport. We are thinking about the innocent victims."

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his condolences via Twitter, while a spokesperson for German Chancellor Angela Merkel said, "The revolting attacks in Brussels let us join in common cause: solidarity with victims and determination against terrorists."

The White House said that US President Barack Obama, "reiterated that the US stands together with the people of Belgium, as well as Nato and the European Union, and once again pledged the full cooperation and support of the US in our shared commitment to defeat the scourge of terrorism."

The French government announced that Paris would light the Eiffel tower in the Belgian colours in a show of solidarity, while the UK will fly the Belgian flag outside 10 Downing street.