On November 13, 2015, we saw the world come together and pray for Paris as brutal terrorist attacks took the lives of many. From targeting a soccer match to a mass shooting at a concert, nine terrorists massacred 130 people and injured over 350 through bombs and gunfire. This past month, one of the men held responsible for these acts of terror has finally been put behind bars, right where he belongs.
Police officials arrested Salah Abdeslam, 26, in an apartment raid March 18, 2016. From what should have been a celebratory capture of one of the world’s most active terrorists, it has resulted in panic sweeping the globe once more.
It was rumored that the recent incarceration of Abdeslam would trigger terrorist attacks, but the world didn’t realize that ISIS would strike back so soon. On March 22, 2016, ISIS claimed responsibility for the attacks on Belgium early Tuesday morning. Explosions tore through Zaventem airport and resulted in 11 dead, while another blast struck Maelbeek metro station, less than a mile away from the European Union headquarters, killing about 20 more civilians. At least 34 have been pronounced dead as over 230 people have been wounded.
CNN writer Nicolet Gaouette wrote that, “At the time of Abdelslam's capture, Belgian Foreign Minister Didier Reynders told the media that Abdelslam was ‘ready to restart something in Brussels,’ that he'd established a new network of people around him and that a large weapons cache had been found.”
What’s even more terrifying is that this may only be the beginning of the attacks on Europe and more of the world. According to BBC news, Prime Minister Charles Michel spoke on behalf of the latest incidents and said they were, “blind, violent and cowardly” while also stating that, “This is a day of tragedy, a black day. I would like to call on everyone to show calmness and solidarity.”
Shortly after the launched attacks, President Barack Obama released a statement on the bombings as well saying, "We will do whatever is necessary to support our friend and ally Belgium in bringing to justice those who are responsible.” Furthermore, the President stated that, "This is yet another reminder that the world must unite. We must be together regardless of nationality or race or faith in fighting against the scourge of terrorism."
How much more blood needs to be shed until these attacks stop? How much more can the world take? As we desperately try to answer these questions, once more, we must band together and pray for the lives that have been so unfairly taken by these overly radicalized extremists that find pleasure in terrorizing innocent people. Pray for those that have been violently wounded and that they will fully recover from these attacks. Finally, pray for Brussels and the safety of Europe. As families will mourn the 34 that have been tragically murdered in these raids, we must unite and fight against these horrible acts of terrorism no matter our background and no matter where we call home.
