Washington:
Democratic presidential frontrunner Hillary Clinton today condemned the explosions in Brussels that killed around 35 people, saying they will not be intimidated by the attacks while Republican candidate Donald Trump asked the US to be more vigilant.
Clinton said the attacks will only strengthen their resolve to stand together as allies and defeat terrorism and radical jihadism around the world.
A series of explosions ripped through Brussels airport and a metro train, killing around 35 people and injuring more than 200 in the latest attacks to rock Europe.
The former Secretary of State said though terrorists have once again struck at the heart of Europe, but their campaign of hate and fear will not succeed.
“The people of Brussels, of Europe, and of the world will not be intimidated by these vicious killers. Today Americans stand in solidarity with our European allies,” she said.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those killed and wounded, and all the people of Belgium. These terrorists seek to undermine the democratic values that are the foundation of our alliance and our way of life, but they will never succeed,” Clinton said.
Trump, on the other hand, called for more vigilance. “Do you all remember how beautiful and safe a place Brussels was? Not anymore, it is from a different world! US must be vigilant and smart!” he said in a tweet and criticised Obama in another tweet.
“President Obama looks and sounds so ridiculous making his speech in Cuba, especially in the shadows of Brussels. He is being treated badly!” Trump said. The White House said Obama was apprised of the explosions in Brussels.
“US officials have been and will continue to be in close contact with their Belgian counterparts,” a White House official said.
The Ohio Governor John Kasich said “along with every American, he is sickened by the pictures of the carnage, by the injuries and by the loss of life.”
“Today’s attack is a brutal reminder that the international community must come together to destroy ISIS. This type of barbarism cannot be allowed to continue,” said Senator Bernie sanders, the Democratic presidential candidate.
“The horrific attacks in Brussels were sadly predictable. And they are a reminder of what should by now be painfully obvious: the United States and Europe are at war with ISIL,” Senators John McCain and Lindsey Graham said in a joint statement.
“As our countries have always done, we must confront this threat together. We must defend democracy, and defeat terror,” said Paul Ryan, Speaker of the US House of Representatives.
