Brussels Death Toll Hits 34 as ISIS Warns of 'Dark Days'

A Belgian security official says the death toll has risen to 34 in Tuesday's attacks on the Brussels airport and a subway station, the AP reports. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because precise numbers were expected to be announced early Wednesday. Meanwhile, ISIS has issued an updated communique taking credit for the Brussels attacks and threatening other countries taking part in the anti-ISIS coalition. The statement promises "dark days" for countries allied against the Islamic State, threatening that "what is coming is worse and more bitter." ISIS also released photos purportedly showing its fighters in Syria giving out candy to children to celebrate the Brussels attacks.

In the US, President Obama has ordered that all American flags be flown at half-staff through Saturday out of respect for victims of the Brussels attack. Obama said in a proclamation issued hours after Tuesday's attacks that "the American people stand with the people of Brussels. We will do whatever it takes, working with nations and peoples around the world, to bring the perpetrators of these attacks to justice, and to go after terrorists who threaten our people." Across the Atlantic, some of Europe's best-known monuments—including the Eiffel Tower and Brandenburg Gate—have been illuminated with Belgium's national colors in a show of solidarity. (More Brussels attack stories.)