ISIS suicide bombers wreak carnage at Brussels airport and metro station

Earlier today, at least 31 people were killed and 230 were injured in attacks at Brussels international airport and a Maelbeek metro station.

According to reports, two explosions hit Zaventem airport, killing 11 people. Another 20 people died when another bomb went off one hour later in the middle carriage of a three-carriage train at Maelbeek metro station near the EU's headquarters. Responsibility for the attacks has been claimed by the Islamic State (IS).

EU leaders have released a joint statement condemning the attacks:

"The European Union mourns the victims of today's terrorist attacks in Brussels. It was an attack on our open democratic society.  

"Our common European institutions are hosted in Brussels, thanks to the generosity of the government of Belgium and the Belgian people. The European Union and its member states stand firm with Belgium in solidarity and are determined to face this threat together with all necessary means.

"This latest attack only strengthens our resolve to defend the European values and tolerance from the attacks of the intolerant. We will be united and firm in the fight against hatred, violent extremism and terrorism."

The organizers of Plastics Recycling Show Europe (PRSE), who postponed the show in November following the bombing and shooting attacks in Paris, have, in the wake of today’s attacks, once again canceled the event. A statement on the website reads:

“Due to serious events that took place in Brussels this morning, the organizers of the PRSE show have had no other option but to cancel the show.

The safety and security of our exhibitors, visitors, staff and suppliers remains our absolute priority.

The situation in Brussels remains fluid and we will provide further updates as and when”.

The PRSE show, was due to take place at the Brussels Expo venue in the Belgian capital on March 22 and 23.

Photo: Jef Versele / Facebook / Via facebook.com. Mr Versele was traveling through Zaventem when the blasts took place.