Brussels attacks: Shropshire Muslim leaders call for end to violence
Muslim leaders in Shropshire have spoken of their sadness at this week's terror attacks in Brussels and called for an end to the "cycle of violence."
The Wellington-based Shropshire Islamic Foundation expressed its solidarity with those affected by the suicide attacks at Brussels Airport and then at the Maelbeek underground station in the city.
Secretary Wehid Iqbal said: "Shropshire Islamic Foundation would like to offer condolences to the friends and families of those affected by the criminal acts committed in Belgium."
He said it was the latest of several acts of mindless violence which have taken place this month.
"In Ankara, Turkey, a bomb blast killed 37 people, a further five were murdered in Istanbul and countless others losing life and limb in many countries across the world," said Mr Iqbal. "We pray that there is an end to this cycle of violence."
Elsewhere, secretary general of the Muslim Council of Britain Dr Shuja Shafi said: "We are shocked to hear about the terror attacks in Brussels, coming as they did only a few days after the horrific atrocities in Istanbul. I hope the killers are brought to justice and face the full force of the law. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, families and communities affected.
"As we come to terms with yet another attack on European soil, we must redouble our efforts to work together to defeat terrorism wherever it comes from. These mass murderers want to divide our society and pit people against each other. We must deny them this goal at every conceivable opportunity."
The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby said: "In the great Holy Week of Christian prayer and mercy, the Brussels attacks shock all those who seek peace and justice through the terrible cruelty and utter separation from all that is of God.
"Once again we see the contrast between the vain efforts to terrify through indiscriminate murder, and the call of God to be those who show mercy, who seek peace and pursue it.
"Let us at every service this week pray for those caught up in the traumatic events at the airport and in the city of Brussels."
Belgium and Manchester City football captain Vincent Kompany, who grew up in Molenbeek, tweeted: "Horrified and revolted. Innocent people paying the price again. My thoughts are with the families of the victims. I wish for Brussels to act with dignity. We are all hurting, yet we must reject hate and its preachers. As hard as it may be."
Authorities in Belgium have been continuing the search for a man pictured at Brussels Airport with two apparent suicide bombers after 34 people were killed and more than 200 injured in Tuesday's terror attacks.
The manhunt comes amid growing suggestions that the bombings of Zaventem Airport and the Brussels Metro were the work of the same Islamic State (IS) cell that attacked Paris last year.
IS, which was behind the Paris attacks, also claimed responsibility for the Brussels bombings.
Belgium is in the midst of three days of mourning, and government offices, schools and residents held a moment of silence yesterday.
