Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/656590
maltatoday, WEDNESDAY, 23 MARCH 2016 7 News ISIS strike at Europe's heart MIRIAM DALLI TWO separate terror attacks at Brussels yesterday morning sent shockwaves across Europe and an ISIS-affiliated website claimed responsibility for the attacks that claimed a heavy loss of life in the heart of the continent. Over 30 people have been report- ed dead – 20 at the Maelbeek metro station and 13 at Zaventem airport – and almost 200 people were in- jured. It is believed that the first ex- plosion at Zaventem airport was caused by a suicide bomber. Two blasts tore through the departures area shortly after 8am and an hour later an explosion hit Maelbeek. Au- thorities swiftly acted to close down all air and public transport systems. Later in the day, police found an undetonated explosives belt which they safely disarmed. A number of house raids were reported in the afternoon. In one of the raids at Shaarebeek – northeast of Brussels – the police reportedly found a nail bomb, an ISIS flag and chemical substances. Belgian police released a photo of the suspects and have asked the public to help identify a third sus- pect. The attacks came just four days after the main suspect of last year's Paris attacks, Salah Abdeslam, was arrested in Belgium. Politico have reported that Abdeslam was sup- posed to have intended to take part in the bomb attacks that hit the Bel- gian capital. Abdeslam's fingerprints were found in an apartment in the Brus- sels neighbourhood of Forest that was raided by law enforcement au- thorities last week, where officers also found detonators that were probably meant to be used in the attacks. Belgian Foreign Minister Didier Reynders had warned after Abde- slam's capture that the alleged Paris terror suspect was preparing fur- ther attacks. Maltese national among those injured A Maltese employee of the Per- manent Representation at the EU, technical attaché Lorenzo Vella, was injured in the explosion while waiting in the vicinity of an Ameri- can Airlines desk. Together with his pregnant wife, Vella was queuing to check-in ahead of their Easter vacation in New York. Another Maltese national was at the airport at the time of the explosion but he escaped unharmed. In comments to ONE News, Vella recounted seeing a flash of light and hearing a loud explosion. "The explosion must have been some 10 to 20 metres away from where we were standing. Debris was flying all over and I got hit in the back. We heard a second explosion and my wife helped me back up on to my feet to run outside. "People were crying and running. There was blood everywhere. Out- side, I received medical attention. I couldn't move. Suddenly, outside the terminal, we could see police and firefighters rushing towards the airport. Despite the pain, I had to get back up and seek refuge else- where." Vella was then taken to the mili- tary hospital in Brussels, where he could also notice several injured children. He suffered slight injuries to his back. Five other nationals gathered at the nearby Novotel Hotel as the permanent representation organ- ised transport to take them back to the embassy. Several Maltese nationals in Brussels took to Facebook to reas- sure relatives and friends that they were safe. Among them were MEPs Miriam Dalli, Roberta Metsola and Therese Comodini Cachia. The EU capital went under lock- down and metro stations reopened at 5pm. 'A black time for our country' Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel spoke of "a black time for our country". "What we feared has come to pass. Our country has been struck by attacks which are blind, violent and cowardly." The attacks drew worldwide con- demnation. US President Barack Obama said that the US would do whatever it can to help Belgium bring to justice those responsible. Obama urged international unity in the fight against terrorism. "Through the attacks in Brussels, the whole of Europe has been hit," French President Francois Hol- lande said. "France will implacably continue the fight against terrorism both on the international level and at home." Italy's Prime Minister, Matteo Renzi, called for a "European pact for freedom and security". "Today they hit Belgium, but they also hit the capital of the European Union," Renzi said in a speech, vow- ing that "it will take months, per- haps years, but we will beat them". Government unaware of any threats against Malta Shortly after the attacks, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat was in contact with Malta's security ser- vices who confirmed there were no known threats to the country. "Nevertheless, we have stepped up security at critical points as a pre- caution," the Prime Minister con- firmed. The government has advised Mal- tese nationals to abide by the in- structions of the Belgian authorities and limit their movements within the city. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs also set up two emergency lines which are being manned for 24 hours until further notice. Calls from Malta: 8007 2203 (FREEPHONE) Calls from abroad: +356 2204 2200 Helpline in Brussels: +32 (0) 22 38 36 08 Air Malta makes alternative flight arrangements AIR Malta will be operating two flights today to/from Dus- seldorf. Passengers booked to travel on Air Malta to/from Brussels today were automati- cally rebooked on these flights. The flights to Dusseldorf are being operated following the cancellation of the flights to/ from Brussels due to the clo- sure of the airport. "In view of this the airline is also organising surface trans- portation between Brussels and Dusseldorf's airport and vice-versa. Upon arrival in Dusseldorf, coaches will take passengers to Rue Archimede, 25, B – 1000, Brussels next to the Maltese Embassy. Pas- sengers booked on the return flights to Malta (KM421 and KM 423) are requested to be at the same address by latest 1415hrs for coach transfer to Dusseldorf," Air Malta said. Top left: Maltese national Lorenzo Vella suffered slight injuries in the airport blast Top right: Belgian police evacuated the Wetstraat - Rue de la Loi after an explosion at the Maelbeek metro station Bottom: People brought flowers and candles to mourn for the victims at Place de la Bourse in the centre of Brussels