BRUSSELS (Staff Report) – Belgian authorities Wednesday claimed to have arrested third terrorist involved in Brussels attacks and identified two suicide bomber as Khalid and Brahim el-Bakraoui -who are said to be brothers.
Update: Belgian police officials have arrested an alleged terrorist involved in Tuesday’s Brussels attacks on airport and metro stations. The suspect has been identified as Najim Laachraoui.
Earlier media reports said that manhunt was underway for the third terrorist -who came to Brussels airport along with two suicide bombers however his suicide belt did not explode.
Original Story:
Belgian authorities have claimed that two brothers and a third accomplice had reached the Brussels airport on Tuesday, however the suicide belt of the third bomber did not explode.
The officials said that two brothers who exploded themselves at the airport and metro station were named as Khalid and Brahim el-Bakraoui. The police officials also have a previous record of the two brothers.
Meanwhile an operation is underway to identify the third attacker, who is alive according to investigators. Public has been asked for cooperation in this regard.
On Tuesday, around 34 people were killed and over 200 injured when two suicide attacks took place at Brussels airport. The blasts were followed by five another blasts at two metro stations and royal palace.
Belgium is observing a three-day national mourning after the tragedy while security has been beefed up at all key location Europe and United States.
The terrorist attacks came just days after alleged mastermind of Paris attacks, Saleh Abdesalam, was arrested by Belgian police in a joint raid at his flat. Authorities suspect that Saleh was planning more Paris styled attacks and the Brussels bombings could be one of his plans.
