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Third Suspect in Brussels Explosions Denied Arrest

Jan 30, 2026 January 30, 2026 2 min read 📰 Radio Farda
📋 Key Takeaway

Belgian authorities have denied that a third suspect arrested in connection with the Brussels bombings is Najim Laachraoui, who is believed to be an associate of Salah Abdeslam. The attacks resulted in significant casualties and were claimed by the Islamic State. This incident highlights ongoing security concerns in Europe following recent terrorist activities.

🔍 Quick Context Guide
💡 Bottom Line: The Brussels attacks underscore ongoing security challenges in Europe and the global threat posed by the Islamic State.

👥 Key Players

Najim Laachraoui MENTIONED
Suspected terrorist
"Believed to be involved in Brussels attacks and linked to Paris attacks."
Salah Abdeslam MENTIONED
Captured terrorist suspect
"Key figure in Paris attacks, recently arrested, potentially linked to Brussels attacks."
Islamic State MENTIONED
Terrorist organization
"Claimed responsibility for the Brussels attacks."
Khalid and Ibrahim El Bakraoui MENTIONED
Suicide bombers
"Identified as perpetrators of the Brussels attacks."

📰 What Happened

Belgian authorities have clarified that a third suspect arrested is not Najim Laachraoui, a key suspect in the Brussels bombings. The attacks, claimed by the Islamic State, resulted in numerous casualties.

  • The Brussels attacks resulted in 34 deaths and over 250 injuries.
  • The El Bakraoui brothers were identified as the suicide bombers.

💡 Why It Matters

🇮🇷 For Iran: Iran condemned the attacks, aligning with its stance against terrorism and potentially seeking to improve relations with Europe.
🌍 Regional: The attacks highlight the persistent threat of terrorism in Europe, influencing regional security policies.
🌐 International: The attacks prompted increased security measures globally, especially in Western countries, and raised concerns about terrorism in Europe.

📚 Background

The Brussels attacks are part of a series of terrorist incidents in Europe, following the Paris attacks in November 2015.

Paris attacks European security policies
📡 Source: INTERNATIONAL
📊 Confidence: 70%
The article is based on reports from Belgian and international media, generally considered reliable.

Belgian media report that the third individual arrested on Wednesday is not a suspect in the suicide bombings that occurred the previous day in Brussels. Hours after the news of the third suspect's arrest was published, Belgian media announced that this individual is not Najim Laachraoui. The French news agency reported that Belgian media have retracted and denied this news. The newspaper "Dernière Heure" also stated on its Twitter page that the man arrested in the Anderlecht neighborhood is not Najim Laachraoui. This morning, Belgian police revealed the identities of two of the suicide bombers from yesterday's attacks at the Brussels International Airport and the metro. It was also reported that one of the individuals involved in the airport bombing is wanted. Police sources had informed Belgian media that this individual is Najim Laachraoui and an associate of Salah Abdeslam, and that the police had identified him just one day before the bombings. This individual was seen in a photo released by the police yesterday wearing a light-colored coat, and the police have asked anyone with information about him to come forward. Yesterday, a series of explosions occurred at the Brussels International Airport and later in the city’s central metro, resulting in 34 deaths and over 250 injuries. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for these attacks. 24 hours after the explosions, Belgian police announced that the two bombers were named Khalid and Ibrahim El Bakraoui, brothers likely connected to Salah Abdeslam, the mastermind behind the Paris attacks. The tragedies in Belgium occurred just four days after the arrest of Salah Abdeslam, a Belgian/French national who was captured in the same neighborhood in Brussels where he grew up. In the days following his arrest and prior to the Brussels explosions, Abdeslam's lawyer stated that he was ready to cooperate with security officials. In this context, after Abdeslam's arrest, Interpol called for increased border security. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the Brussels explosions. Iran condemned the deadly attacks in Brussels. Security measures were heightened at U.S. airports following the Brussels attacks. The death toll from the Brussels attacks increased; the U.S. issued a travel warning for Europe. Ted Cruz called for police presence in Muslim neighborhoods. The El Bakraoui brothers were identified as the perpetrators of the Brussels suicide bombings. Belgian media reported the arrest of an individual suspected of involvement in the Brussels attacks.

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Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →

Translation confidence: 90%

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