BRUSSELS ATTACKS: What we know about ISIS terror attacks in Belgium
(KMSP) - Islamic extremists have claimed responsibility for explosions that struck the Brussels airport and one of the city's metro stations early Tuesday, killing at least 30 and wounding hundreds.
"Brussels Airport has been hit in its heart, in the departures hall where at that moment many passengers were waiting to leave on holiday," Brussels Airport said in statement.
Two explosions struck airport as travelers checked in for morning flights, and about 40 minutes later, another explosion hit commuters near the Maelbeek station. At least one explosion at the airport is being blamed on a suicide attacker.
Just four months ago, suicide attackers based in Brussels' Molenbeek district killed 130 people in Paris, and intelligence officials warned of an inevitable next strike.
Death toll
So far, 34 are reported dead. Officials say more than 200 people are wounded.
ISIS claims responsibility
In a press release issued via Amaq news agency, ISIS claimed responsibility for the attacks in Brussels. It reads:
"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, a country participating in the international coalition against the Islamic State.
Islamic State fighters opened fire inside Zaventem Airport, before several of them detonated their explosive belts, as a martyrdom bomber detonated his explosive belt in the Maalbeek metro station. The attacks resulted in more than 230 dead and wounded."
Picture of suspects released
Belgian law enforcement authorities released a CCTV image Tuesday showing three men believed to be involved in the Brussels terror attack at the Zaventem Airport. Photo Credit: Fox News.
PHOTOS - Scenes from Brussels, messages of support
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Landmarks pay tribute
At nightfall Tuesday, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, and the Trevi Fountain in Rome were lit up in the black, yellow and red colors of the Belgian flag.
MSP Airport: Attack serves as a reminder
MSP airport spokesman Patrick Hogan told Fox 9 there will be no noticeable chances to security following the terrorist attacks, but it serves as a reminder.
“We always have a heavy police and security presence at the front end of our terminals, and that will continue. The attack serves as a reminder to everyone to report unattended bags and any suspicious activity to police immediately,” Hogan said.
9 Americans injured
Nine Americans were among the injured, including one U.S. service member and 5 members of his family. A trio of Mormon missionaries from Utah were "seriously injured" in Tuesday's explosion at Brussels airport, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints confirmed.
The injured missionaries, whose families have been notified, are:
Elder Richard Norby (66) of Lehi, Utah
Elder Joseph Empey (20) of Santa Clara, Utah
Elder Mason Wells (19) of Sandy, Utah
Former Minnesota lawmaker in Brussels
Former State Rep. Ryan Winkler moved to Brussels last year for his wife's job, and can see the Brussels airport from his house. Winkler said he was there yesterday and just missed the terror attacks. He joined the Fox 9 Morning News via Skype:
Political leaders react
President Barack Obama: "We will do whatever is necessary to support our friend and ally Belgium in bringing to justice those who are responsible."
French Prime Minister Manuel Valls: "We are at war. We have been subjected for the last few months in Europe to acts of war."
Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel: "We realize we face a tragic moment. We have to be calm and show solidarity."
Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch: “I stand with President Obama and the American people in condemning this morning’s horrific attacks in Brussels. This was an appalling assault on the people of Belgium, on the European Union and on every nation that stands for peace and the rule of law."
U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar: "So saddened over the loss of life in Brussels terror attacks. America stands with the people of Belgium."
Russian President Vladimir Putin: "We have repeatedly discussed the issues related to the fight against terrorism, and it's possible to efficiently combat it only by united efforts."