The deadliest terrorist attack on Belgium since World War II, killing 32 people and injuring over 300 in coordinated IS bombings.
Key Facts
- Date
- 22 March 2016
- Civilians killed
- 32 people
- Injured
- More than 300 people
- Perpetrators killed
- 3 suicide bombers
- Attack locations
- Brussels Airport (Zaventem) and Maelbeek metro station
- Trial verdict
- 6 convicted of terrorist-related murder (December 2022)
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The attacks were carried out by a terrorist cell linked to the November 2015 Paris attacks. Belgian police had conducted a series of raids targeting the cell in the days prior, and the bombings are believed to have been accelerated in response to that police pressure.
On 22 March 2016, Islamic State operatives detonated bombs at Brussels Airport in Zaventem and at Maelbeek metro station in Brussels' European Quarter. Two suicide bombers struck the airport departure hall, while a third fled without detonating his device. A fourth attacker detonated a bomb on a metro train at Maelbeek station; a fifth fled with his device.
Thirty-two victims and three perpetrators died, with more than 300 injured. Belgium declared three days of national mourning. In December 2022, ten suspects went on trial in Brussels; six were convicted of terrorist-related murder and attempted murder, and two of terrorist activities.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Side B
1 belligerent