Investigators examining the deadly Brussels terror attacks have identified one of the suicide bombers as a man who was reportedly involved with a prison run by the extremist group known as Daesh in Syria.
The Brussels Airport Bomber Identified development emerged from reports citing sources connected to the investigation into the coordinated attacks that struck Brussels on March 22. The attacks targeted Brussels International Airport and a city metro station, killing 32 people and injuring many others.
Authorities identified the suspect as Najim Laachraoui, who is believed to have played a key role in planning and carrying out the attacks. Investigators also suspect he was involved in preparing explosive devices used during the operation.
According to reports, several French journalists who were held captive in Syria by Daesh in 2013 recognized Laachraoui after authorities released his photograph following the Brussels attacks.
The journalists reportedly identified him as a prison guard known by the name Abou Idriss during their captivity.
The identification has provided investigators with additional information about Laachraoui’s alleged activities before the attacks in Belgium.
French media outlets reported that the former hostages recognized the suspect shortly after his image was made public during the investigation.
One of the journalists involved in the identification was Nicolas Henin, who was among a group of French reporters held by the extremist organization for several months before being released in 2014.
According to statements reported by media organizations at the time, Henin’s legal representative said her client formally identified Laachraoui as one of the individuals involved in guarding prisoners.
The reports added that the suspect was allegedly connected to the prison system operated by the extremist group in Syria during the period when the journalists were being held.
Investigators have continued to examine the suspect’s background and movements leading up to the attacks in Brussels.
The coordinated bombings shocked Europe and prompted extensive counterterrorism investigations across several countries.
The airport attack occurred in the departure area of Brussels International Airport, while a separate explosion struck a metro station in the Belgian capital.
Emergency services responded immediately, and authorities launched a large-scale security operation following the attacks.
The incident led to heightened security measures across Belgium and other European nations as officials worked to determine whether additional threats remained.
Laachraoui had already become a central figure in the investigation due to suspected links with extremist networks operating in Europe.
Authorities believe he maintained connections with individuals involved in previous terror plots and investigations.
The identification by former hostages offered investigators another piece of information regarding his alleged past activities.
Reports at the time also indicated that Laachraoui had previously worked at Brussels Airport for several years before becoming involved in extremist activities.
Investigators reviewed his personal history, travel records, and possible connections to terrorist networks as part of the wider inquiry.
Security agencies across Europe increased cooperation following the attacks, sharing intelligence and information to track suspects and prevent future incidents.
The Brussels attacks marked one of the deadliest terrorist incidents in Belgium’s history and had a significant impact on public security policies across the region.
Authorities continued to investigate the planning, financing, and support networks behind the attacks for months after the bombings occurred.
The case also highlighted concerns about foreign fighters returning from conflict zones and the challenges of monitoring extremist activities across international borders.
Counterterrorism experts noted that identifying individuals involved in extremist organizations can help investigators better understand recruitment methods, operational structures, and potential threats.
The Brussels Airport Bomber Identified reports added another dimension to the investigation by linking the suspect to activities in Syria before the attacks in Belgium.
Officials have emphasized the importance of international cooperation in terrorism investigations and the sharing of intelligence between countries.
As investigations continued, authorities remained focused on understanding the full network behind the attacks and preventing similar incidents in the future.
The Brussels bombings remain a significant case in European counterterrorism efforts, with investigators continuing to study the events and their broader implications for regional security.
