Erdogan: We Delivered One of the Brussels Attackers to Belgium Who Was Released

The President of Turkey stated that the country had arrested one of the perpetrators of the recent terrorist attacks in Brussels and handed him over to Belgium, but the Belgian government later released him. Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday, April 4, that Turkey had warned Belgium that this individual was a 'terrorist fighter,' but Belgium failed to recognize his 'connection to terrorism' and therefore released him. According to the Associated Press, the Turkish president did not mention the name of the attacker, but it has been reported that Turkey arrested him in June of last year and officially notified the Belgian government of his expulsion on July 14. The Belgian government has not yet responded to these statements. Brussels has announced that two Muslim brothers named Khalid and Ibrahim al-Bakraoui were responsible for the suicide attacks on Tuesday in Brussels, which are considered the largest terrorist operation in Belgium's history. Both brothers were killed. There is also a third suspect, who some reports have named as Najim Laachraoui. The Islamic State (ISIS) has claimed responsibility for these operations. The terrorist attacks in Brussels have prompted widespread global reactions. John Kerry, the U.S. Secretary of State, is scheduled to travel to Brussels by Friday, April 6, to express support and condolences to Belgium.