In the wake Tuesday's attacks on Brussels airport and a Metro train that killed at least 30 people, a church minister in the Belgian capital fears that churches could be the next target.
In a report by Premier, Rev. Dr. Andrew Gardener, who leads the St Andrew's Church of Scotland based in Brussels, expressed uncertainty as to whether it would be safe to open the church for vigils and prayers because of the attacks.
"There's an element of fear [that] people who you wouldn't want to know that you're gathering would turn up and target those of us who are gathered," he said.
The minister explained that the attacks on the airport and Metro have raised apprehensions among churchgoers, particularly with the upcoming celebration of Easter, which is a major event in the Christian calendar.
"Easter as you know is a prime point in celebration in the Christian calendar and our Easter celebrations will be sobering this Sunday," he said.
The Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the atrocities for the attacks, saying that the bombings were made in retaliation for Belgium's role in fighting militants in Syria and Iraq.
"We promise the countries taking part in the coalition against the Islamic State that they will see black days in response to their aggression against the Islamic State. What's yet to come is worse and more bitter," the statement read.
According to a report by CBS, authorities have released a photograph obtained from CCTV footage of the three suspects who perpetrated the attack in the Brussels airport with the use of hand controlled detonators. One of the suspects is believed to have survived the bombing and remains at large, CBS reported.
