Islamic State claims responsibility of Brussels bombings: Foreign media

Brussels, Mar 22: Dreaded global terror outfit, Islamic State (ISIS) has reportedly claimed responsibility for serial bombings in Brussels on Tuesday, which killed at least 26 and left several injured.

As per Egyptian media report, the statement by the group - based in Iraq and Syria- was published by Amak News Agency. (Brussels attacked in retaliation for Salah Abdeslam's arrest?)

A series of apparently coordinated explosions ripped through Brussels airport and a city metro station today, killing at least 26 people in the latest attacks to target Europe.

Security was tightened across the jittery continent and transport links paralysed after the bombings that Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel branded "blind, violent and cowardly".

"This is a day of tragedy, a black day," Michel said on national television.

Two blasts targeted the main hall of Zaventem Airport at around 8:00am (1130 IST), with prosecutor Frederic Van Leeuw saying the assault likely involved at least one suicide bomber.

A third hit Maalbeek metro station near the European Union's main buildings, just as commuters were making their way to work in rush hour.

Meanwhile, Sunni Islam's leading seat of learning, Al-Azhar, said attacks in Brussels "violate the tolerant teachings of Islam," and urged the international community to confront the "epidemic" of terrorism.

"Al-Azhar strongly condemns these terrorist attacks. These heinous crimes violate the tolerant teachings of Islam," the Cairo-based Al-Azhar said in a statement.

OneIndia News

(With inputs from agencies)