Terror Attack in Brussels

[Content Note: Terrorism; bombing; death and injury. Video may autoplay at link.]

This morning, two bombs were set off at the Brussels airport and on a Metro train, reportedly killing 26 people and injuring more than 50 others.

Explosions, at least one likely caused by a suicide bomber, rocked the Brussels airport and subway system Tuesday, prompting a lockdown of the Belgian capital and heightened security across Europe. At least 26 people were reported dead.

A spokesman for the Brussels Metro said 15 people were killed and 55 injured in an explosion on a train. Belgian media initially reported at least 13 dead in two explosions at the airport, but later decreased that to 11.

"What we feared has happened," Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel told reporters. "In this time of tragedy, this black moment for our country, I appeal to everyone to remain calm but also to show solidarity."

Belgium raised its terror alert to the highest level, diverting planes and trains and ordering people to stay where they were. Airports across Europe immediately tightened security.

European security officials have been bracing for a major attack for weeks, and warned that the Islamic State group was actively preparing to strike. The arrest Friday of a key suspect in the November attacks in Paris heightened those fears, as investigators said many more people were involved than originally thought, and that some are still on the loose.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for Tuesday's attacks, and Michel said there was no immediate evidence linking key Paris suspect Salah Abdeslam to them. After his arrest Friday, Abdeslam told authorities he had created a new network and was planning new attacks.

"We are at war," French Prime Minister Manuel Valls said after a crisis meeting called by the French president. "We have been subjected for the last few months in Europe to acts of war."

...Authorities told people in Brussels to stay where they were, bringing the city to a standstill. Airport security was also tightened in Paris, London and other European cities.

In Paris, France's top security official said the country was immediately reinforcing security at airports, train stations, and metros.

I don't even know what to say. My condolences to those who lost friends, family, and/or colleagues in the bombings. My sympathies to those who were injured, and to those who survived without physical injury but will be left with lasting trauma. What an unfathomable thing to experience.

I am just so angry and so sad that any human being thinks this is an okay thing to do, no less that it is a heroic thing to do.

[Note: As always, let's keep this thread image-free. Thanks.]