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Islamic State Claims Responsibility For Brussels Blasts According To ISIS-Affiliated News Agency: Report

Islamic State Claims Responsibility For Brussels Blasts According To ISIS-Affiliated News Agency: Report
The blown out windows of Zaventem airport are seen after a deadly attack in Brussels, Belgium, Tuesday, March 22, 2016. Authorities in Europe have tightened security at airports, on subways, at the borders and on city streets after deadly attacks Tuesday on the Brussels airport and its subway system. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)
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The blown out windows of Zaventem airport are seen after a deadly attack in Brussels, Belgium, Tuesday, March 22, 2016. Authorities in Europe have tightened security at airports, on subways, at the borders and on city streets after deadly attacks Tuesday on the Brussels airport and its subway system. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)

The Islamic State has claimed the responsibility for the two bomb attacks in Brussels on Tuesday, Reuters reported, citing a news agency affiliated with the group.

"Islamic State fighters carried out a series of bombings with explosive belts and devices on Tuesday, targeting an airport and a central metro station in the center of the Belgian capital Brussels," AMAQ agency said.

Brussels is in complete lockdown following three explosions at the Belgian capital's Zaventum airport and a metro station, which have claimed the lives of at least 34 people and injured dozens more.

In the first attack at Zaventum international airport on Tuesday night (AEST), two explosions went off at once, killing at least 14 people.

At least 81 people were wounded at the airport, Belgium’s health minister Maggie De Block said.

An unexploded bomb belt and a Kalashnikov assault rifle rifle have been found at the scene.

A short time later, a third explosion at Maalbeek metro station caught people on their way to work at around 8am local time. Belgian transit officials have reported at least 20 fatalities in this attack, while Brussels Mayor Yvan Mayeur said that 106 people were injured in the train station attack, 40 seriously.

The location -- close to European Union buildings -- has led to speculation that the attack was targeting EU officials.

Belgium authorities have confirmed that at least one of the attacks was carried out by a suicide bomber.

The Belgian Prime Minister, Charles Michel, labelled the attacks "blind and cowardly" and called on the Belgian people to unite in solidarity.

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This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost India, which closed in 2020. Some features are no longer enabled. If you have questions or concerns about this article, please contact indiasupport@huffpost.com.