War

Police have stepped up security at key locations across the UK in the wake of the deadly attacks in Brussels. British prime minister David Cameron warned that Britain faces “a very real terror threat” announcing extra patrols at ports, airports, tube stations and major railway stations. Mark Rowley, the UK’s national police counter terrorism chief, said that increased police activity in the UK was a precaution. “As a precaution forces across the UK have increased policing presence at key locations, including transport hubs, to protect the public and provide reassurance.

Bernie Sanders has criticised  the Israeli government over their treatment of Palestinians, condemning the expansion of illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank. In a foreign policy speech in Salt Lake City, Utah, on Monday, US Democratic presidential said Israel’s settlement constructions in the West Bank undermine the peace process. Sanders also spoke at length about the need for Israel to end “disproportionate” responses to being attacked.

VRT the Belgian public broadcaster have said that the death toll  in Brussels has risen to 34, with 20 people killed in the blast on a Metro train and 14 in explosions at the airport. Around 151 others were also injured. British prime minister David Cameron will chair a meeting of the Government’s emergency Cobra committee saying he was “shocked and concerned” after the explosions this morning. Cameron said “we absolutely stand” with the Belgian people and that he has spoken to the Belgian prime minister, offering condolences and security support.

Russian military staff have warned the US they may unilaterally use force against groups “systematically” violating the Syrian ceasefire from March 22. They accuse the U.S. of dragging its feet on responding to Moscow’s proposals on rules for joint monitoring of the Syria cease-fire and response to violations, saying that delays are leading to civilian casualties.

Tuesday morning will live in infamy for Belgium where the country's worst fears finally coalesced into a coordinated terror attack that at last count had left more than two dozen people killed and many more seriously injured. 

For months, Belgian authorities were on edge after it became apparent that the Brussels suburb of Molenbeek was used as a staging area for the attacks that killed some 130 people in Paris last November.