Israel Offers Belgium Assistance in Combating Terrorism Amid Attacks

TEL AVIV (Sputnik) – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has offered Belgium his country’s assistance in combating terrorism after the fatal triple bombings in Brussels, Netanyahu’s press office said Wednesday.

At least 31 people died and 250 were injured in two suspected suicide attacks at the Brussels Airport departure hall and one explosion at the Maelbeek subway station near European official buildings early Tuesday. Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel classified the acts as terrorist attacks. An active manhunt is underway for a potential third accomplice to the Zaventem airport attackers.

"PM Netanyahu told Belgian PM Michel that terror doesn't distinguish between countries, and offered Israel's help in the fight against terror," the press service said in a statement.

Israeli President Reuven Rivlin also expressed his condolences to King Philippe of Belgium in a letter, writing that "sadly we have first-hand knowledge of the horror and sadness that follow attacks and can understand the pain you now feel."

The latest in a string of terrorist acts has been met with widespread international condemnation and offers of assistance to find a likely third perpetrator that may have backed out of the suicide mission.

Witnesses described hearing Arabic shouting and gunfire shortly before the two explosions at the airport. Authorities later recovered an undetonated suicide vest and a Kalashinkov automatic rifle at the scene.

A three-day mourning period has been announced as Belgium is effectively in lockdown mode and life in the country is at a standstill following the attacks.