Brussels Attacks Update: Airport Police Highlight Security Drawbacks After Terror Attacks

A group of Belgian officers from the federal airport police sector have called for thorough passenger checks and a ban on vehicles within a radius of 328 feet around the entrance of the Brussels airport, local newspaper La Libre reported Wednesday. In an open letter to authorities, the police officers highlighted weak spots in the security system of Brussels airport more than a week after terror attacks in the city killed 32 people.

In the letter, the police officers said that four levels of the airport building are “very accessible to everyone,” including criminals, Sputnik News reported citing La Libre. The officers also expressed dissatisfaction with “obsolete weapons” and a “worrying” procedure of dealing with abandoned baggage. They added that a large number of workers in baggage handling sections have criminal record, the report said.

The police officers also called for the establishment of a Rapid Response Team.

Security measures across Europe have been beefed up after the March 22 attacks, which also injured over 300 others. Belgian authorities reportedly found computer data showing that the bombers had searched online for building plans and photos of Prime Minister Charles Michel’s home and office. Officials found the computer in a trash can in the Brussels suburb of Schaerbeek near a house where supporters of Islamic State group, also known as ISIS, allegedly stored components for their explosives.

On Monday, Belgian officials released suspect Faycal C., who was arrested during raids following the deadly attacks. A judge had said that no evidence justified the man’s arrest. Local media had reported that the man was the suspect seen in the CCTV footage of the attackers at the airport. Belgian officials have charged Yassine A., Mohamed B. and Aboubaker O. for their suspected participation in terrorist activities, after detaining them Sunday.