Bombings in Brussels send shockwaves around the world
On Tuesday, March 22, a series of bombs went off at the Zaventem airport and Maelbeek metro station in the bustling city of Brussels, Belgium, startling and terrifying the city’s inhabitants and those around the world. These devastating attacks left at least 200 people wounded, and 30 dead. Terrorist group ISIS has claimed responsibility for the attacks, and Belgian authorities are working diligently to find the attackers and any other Belgian citizens that are loyal to ISIS across the country that may have been involved.
One explosion occurred in the morning at Zavantem airport in Brussels. Orchestrated by suicide attackers, the bombs went off near the departure gates security checkpoints, collapsing ceiling panels and glass windows. Even as thick dust and ash lingered in the air, emergency crews worked diligently to clear the area of all citizens and help recover those wounded. Reports say that 100 people were wounded and 10 were killed at this location.
About one hour after the explosion at Zavantem airport, another blast went off at the Maelbeek metro station. The station is located at the center of the city, near vital European Union buildings. Tracks and tunnels were instantly pitch dark and brimming with smoke. Latest estimates report that 20 people were killed and 130 were wounded.
The Belgium Crisis Center responded keenly and quickly to the explosions. The entire city of Brussels was placed under lockdown– all tunnels and major roads were closed, children were forced to remain in school, all public transit was shut down and the city’s main airport was closed for a full 24 hours. Many of the city’s inhabitants and travelers remained displaced or confined to public buildings, their daily proceedings stalled by these horrifying attacks.
The attack has gained international attention on multiple forms of social media among people from all areas of the world including prominent leaders, presidential candidates and celebrities. Countries around the world are standing in solidarity with Belgium. #prayforpeace and #prayersforBrussels are now trending on Twitter, and countless relief funds have been started. President Obama commented on situation, saying, “We must be together regardless of nationality or race or faith in fighting against the scourge of terrorism.” The United States has since increased security in many train stations, requiring all traveling citizens to submit their luggage to security checks and bomb-sniffing dogs. In England, the presence of police has increased greatly in major areas such as Heathrow airport and Scotland Yard. NATO is raising its level of alert, and France is deploying an extra 1,600 police officers.
SPHS juniors Malorie Johnson and Antonio Karides also weighed in on the attacks. “The United Nations’ Universal Declaration for Human Rights says that ‘everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.’ The Brussels bombings disregard these universal laws and that is unacceptable no matter what the situation”, commented Karides. “I feel that the tragic bombings in Belgium were a violent example of the heavy burden placed solely at the feet of Europe in terms of Middle Eastern Migrants. What role will the United States play in counteracting foreign terrorist threats from now on?” questioned Johnson.
