US Secretary of State John Kerry defended Belgium’s counterterrorism efforts despite a series of security and intelligence failings in the run-up to the suicide bombings that killed 31 people this week. Confirming that several FBI agents are involved in the investigation into the attacks, Kerry said the “carping” about Belgium’s shortcomings “is a little bit frantic and inappropriate.”
Kerry’s hastily arranged visit to Brussels on Friday came the day after at least six people were detained in raids linked to Tuesday’s attacks on the Brussels airport and subway system. Belgian prosecutors are expected to decide later Friday whether to charge or release them, and other raids are reportedly underway Friday.