Brussels Terror Attack Kills 26, Investigating Potential Connection with Salah Abdeslam

A terror attack has hit Belgium. The country's capital had received three explosions two at the airport and another at a subway station on Tuesday. It has been confirmed that at least 26 people died while 113 people are wounded according to CNN. 

These attacks happened on Tuesday in Brussels and are leading Europe to put its focus on the rising battle against terrorism. 

"We were fearing terrorist attacks, and that has now happened," said Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel.

Since then, Brussel authorities have announced an evacuation of the airport and a shut down on public transportations, requesting that people "Stay where you are."

The explosions come just days after Salah Abdeslam, a man said to be involved in the Paris attacks, was arrested in Molenbeek, a suburb in Brussels. Whether the two events are linked together cannot be determined this early yet there is an investigation. 

Now security precautions are being taken in Europe and even United States. London's Gatwick Airport tweeted, "As a result of the terrible incidents in Brussels, there will be increased police and security patrols in and around Gatwick Airport."

In Washington, the nation's capital stated that there will be an increase in K9 sweeps and police patrols. 

Though these events are shocking and heartbreaking, leaders and civilians are expressing sympathy and encouragement to keep on going and fighting. 

A Belgian civilian told CNN reporters that people should continue traveling, "to prove that we're not afraid of those who have done (the attacks)."

Additionally, the NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said in a statement, "This is a cowardly attack, an attack on our values and on our open societies. Terrorism will not defeat democracy and take away our freedoms."

Images and post on social media have also been shared to support Belgium in this frightening time. Le Monde made a special image of the flag of France hugging a crying flag of Belgium. Paris' official twitter account photo changed to an image of the Belgian flag with the word "Paris" and tweeted in French, "All our heart is with the Belgian people. Paris is thinking of you" according to Metro.