DNA links airport bomber in Brussels to Paris attacks

Belgium attackers have DNA links to Paris attacks.

(Image credit: SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images)

published 23 March 2016

The DNA of Brussels bomber Najim Laachraoui has linked him to the Paris attacks, The Washington Post reports. Laachraoui is believed to have been the bombmaker who created the weapons used in the Paris attacks; he is now thought to have blown himself up at the Brussels airport on Tuesday, according to Arab and European intelligence officials who spoke anonymously to The Washington Post. Previously, Laachraoui had been reported to be on the loose.

The DNA linking the French and Belgian terrorist attacks further proves the reach and planning of ISIS. The Associated Press reported Wednesday that the Islamic State has trained "at least 400 fighters to target Europe in deadly waves."

Subscribe to The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516.jpg

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Explore More

Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.

Subscribe to The Week

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox