Latvia united with Belgium following Brussels attacks

  • 2016-03-22
  • BNS/TBT-STAFF/RIGA

Latvian Foreign Minister, Edgars Rinkevics, has Tweeted that Latvia is united with Belgium following the terrorist attacks in Brussels on March 22, 2016.

"Latvia stands together with Brussels and Belgium in solidarity against terrorism," said Rinkevics. He also underscored that Latvia is closely following all information following the blasts in Brussels and so far there is no information about any Latvians who might have suffered in them.

The two blasts tore through Zaventem airport’s departure lounge at 07:00 a.m. local time (8:00 GMT). The other took place in the Maalbeek station an hour later. The latter is located close to European Union institutions in the Belgian capital. 

Both the airport and entire metro system have been closed.

BBC news reports that at least 13 people have been killed so far. 

Belgian broadcaster VRT added that at least 35 people were severely injured, with national news, Het Laatste Nieuws, reporting more bombs were found.

The Belga news agency reported that shots were fired and shouts in Arabic were heard prior to the explosion.

Belgium has now raised its terror threat to its highest level, said Belgian Interior Minister Jan Jambon.

The airport is being evacuated and has been closed for flights. All incoming flights have been diverted.