DNA of Brussels Bomber Previously Found in Paris Attacks

The Belgian prosecutor's office states that DNA tests indicate that one of the suicide bombers at Brussels Airport was Najim Laachraoui, whose DNA was also found in the bombs and explosive vests used in the Paris terrorist attacks. The Associated Press reported on Friday, March 25, citing the Belgian prosecutor's office, that separate official investigations also confirm the results of these DNA tests. The new findings strengthen the possibility that 24-year-old Najim Laachraoui, of Moroccan descent, was the maker of the bombs used in both the Paris and Brussels terrorist operations. To date, three individuals involved in the largest terrorist operation in Belgium's history have been identified. Khalid and Ibrahim El Bakraoui, two Muslim brothers, were the other perpetrators of these attacks, one of whom detonated himself at Brussels Airport alongside Mr. Laachraoui, while the other did so at a metro station near the European Union headquarters. Meanwhile, a large-scale search operation is underway in Belgium to find other perpetrators of these attacks. Citizens from over 40 countries were victims of the recent terrorist attacks in Brussels. Reuters reported, citing a spokesperson for the Belgian Foreign Ministry, that among the dead were a Peruvian, two Americans, a British citizen, three Dutch, a Chinese, and a French national. Italy and Germany have also confirmed that two women from their countries were among the casualties. Meanwhile, the Belgian Minister of Justice stated that Salah Abdeslam, who is referred to as the mastermind behind the Paris terrorist attacks, has stopped cooperating with the police. Mr. Abdeslam was arrested in the city a few days before the Brussels attacks. Belgian judicial officials say that Salah Abdeslam emphasizes his 'right to remain silent.' During the terrorist operations in Brussels, the capital of Belgium, more than 30 people were killed and about 300 were injured.