Kerry defends Belgium’s counterterrorism efforts

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arabnews

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.

Kerry also said the US and other countries had already scheduled meetings with Belgium prior to the attacks about improvements they could make to their laws, intelligence collection and attempts to blunt the radicalization of youth in particular. The Daesh group has claimed responsibility for Tuesday’s attacks.

“We will not be deterred,” Kerry said. “We will come back with greater resolve — with greater strength — and we will not rest until we have eliminated your nihilistic beliefs and cowardice from the face of the Earth.”