Kerry confirms US citizens killed in Brussels

Secretary of State John Kerry confirmed from Brussels on Friday that at least two Americans were among the 31 killed in this week’s terror attacks claimed by the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria.

{mosads}”[The] United States is praying and grieving with you for the loved ones of those cruelly taken from us, including Americans, and for the many who were injured in these despicable attacks,” Kerry said after a meeting with Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel, according to The Associated Press.

Visiting the city to express condolences and hold counterterrorism talks with European authorities, Kerry did not give details on the Americans’ deaths, but a senior official said their families have been informed.

The AP reports that at least six people have been detained after raids related to Tuesday’s attacks, which also injured more than 270, and that Belgian lawmakers are discussing ways to increase security measures.

Reports have indicated that the same Belgium-based ISIS cell responsible for this week’s strike was behind November’s coordinated assaults in Paris that left more than 130 dead. Belgium’s top interior and justice officials offered to resign this week amid indications that signs of a looming attack were missed, but Michel refused their resignations.

“The United States stands firmly with Belgium and with the nations of Europe in the face of this tragedy,” Kerry said Friday.