Bombs exploded at the Brussels airport and one of the city's metro stations.
At least 31 people killed and wounding dozens, as a European capital was again locked down amid heightened security threats.
The Brussels mayor said another explosion struck Maelbeek metro station an hour later with 20 people killed.
"What we feared has happened," Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel told reporters. "In this time of tragedy, this black moment for our country, I appeal to everyone to remain calm but also to show solidarity."
Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel asked people in the city to remain indoors as Brussels came to a standstill and armed police and emergency services moved into the streets. Officials raised the terrorist threat to its maximum level.
"ISIS is under increasing pressure in Europe," said Brian Levin, a Cal State San Bernardino professor and terrorism expert, using an acronym for Islamic State. "And timing-wise, particularly in Europe, this is speeding up their schedule of attacks. Frankly, there are more terror networks in Belgium and France, and ability to hide within a population that is supportive of them. ... Belgium is ground zero for ISIS networks in Europe."
US President Barack Obama called the blasts "outrageous attacks against innocent people".
The metro shut down after the attacks, as did the airport. More than 200 flights to Brussels were diverted or canceled, according to flight tracking service Flightradar24.
At least 31 people killed and wounding dozens, as a European capital was again locked down amid heightened security threats.
The Brussels mayor said another explosion struck Maelbeek metro station an hour later with 20 people killed.
"What we feared has happened," Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel told reporters. "In this time of tragedy, this black moment for our country, I appeal to everyone to remain calm but also to show solidarity."
Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel asked people in the city to remain indoors as Brussels came to a standstill and armed police and emergency services moved into the streets. Officials raised the terrorist threat to its maximum level.
"ISIS is under increasing pressure in Europe," said Brian Levin, a Cal State San Bernardino professor and terrorism expert, using an acronym for Islamic State. "And timing-wise, particularly in Europe, this is speeding up their schedule of attacks. Frankly, there are more terror networks in Belgium and France, and ability to hide within a population that is supportive of them. ... Belgium is ground zero for ISIS networks in Europe."
US President Barack Obama called the blasts "outrageous attacks against innocent people".
The metro shut down after the attacks, as did the airport. More than 200 flights to Brussels were diverted or canceled, according to flight tracking service Flightradar24.
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