Three Explosions Heard During Extensive Police Operation in Brussels

A regional mayor in Brussels reported on Friday, April 6, about a large-scale police operation investigating the perpetrators of last week's suicide attacks in the Belgian capital, during which three explosions were heard. According to the Associated Press, state television 'RTBF' quoted Mayor Bernard Clerfayt as saying that one person was 'disarmed' during the operation on Friday in the Schaerbeek area. He did not specify whether this person was arrested or injured. However, Belgian state television reported that this individual, who was carrying a bag containing explosives, was injured and arrested. The Schaerbeek mayor added that the operation was related to the attacks on Tuesday at Brussels Airport and a metro station in the city. On Thursday, another person was arrested in connection with these attacks in Paris. Reports indicate that three explosions were heard during the police operation in this area, which was home to the perpetrators of the Brussels suicide attacks. Associated Press reporters present at the scene stated that it is still unclear whether these explosions were the result of bomb disposal by the police or something else. Earlier, an eyewitness told Belgian state television that two explosions and heavy gunfire were heard in the Schaerbeek area. Meanwhile, Charles Michel, the Prime Minister of Belgium, canceled a welcoming ceremony for John Kerry, the U.S. Secretary of State, at Brussels Airport due to the police operation. Mr. Kerry, who made an unexpected trip to Brussels, defended Belgium's counter-terrorism efforts despite a series of security and intelligence failures. He confirmed that several FBI agents are participating in the investigations related to the Brussels attacks and stated that 'criticizing' Belgium's shortcomings is 'inappropriate and stems from anger.' At the same time, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan criticized Belgian authorities again for not taking action against one of the perpetrators of the suicide attack in Brussels. He previously stated that Turkey had handed over one of the Bakraoui brothers, but Belgium released him. On Friday, during a speech in the city of Sorgun, Mr. Erdogan said: 'We captured him in Gaziantep, expelled him, and sent him. Those gentlemen (Belgian officials) did not take any necessary action against this terrorist and released him... Come and explain this matter!' During the attacks on Tuesday in Brussels, 31 people were killed, and over 270 were injured. Three suicide bombers were also killed in these attacks.