Obama vows to help bring Brussels attackers to justice

President Obama on Tuesday condemned a string of coordinated terrorist attacks in Brussels that left at least 34 people dead. 

During a speech in Cuba, Obama said the U.S. would do “whatever is necessary” to assist Belgian authorities in bringing the suspects to justice.

{mosads}“This is yet another reminder the world must unite. We must be together, regardless of nationality or race or faith, in fighting against the scourge of terrorism,” Obama said.

“We can and we will defeat those who threaten the safety and security of people all around the world.”

Obama phoned Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel to send condolences following the attacks and to offer U.S. assistance in the investigation, the White House said. 

The strikes were just the latest example of how world events have overshadowed some of Obama’s signature foreign policy initiatives. 

Obama’s response to the attacks came at the top of a speech to the Cuban people meant to lay out his vision for the country’s future and illustrate how his approach in Latin America has paid dividends for the U.S. 

Last November, terror attacks in Paris and Mali eclipsed Obama’s trip to Malaysia designed to deepen economic ties in the region and advance his administration’s pivot to Asia. 

Two blasts at Brussels’s airport and another at a metro station shook the Belgian capital and prompted new fears about the reach of Islamic militants in Europe and the West.

The strikes left at least 34 people dead and more than 180 people wounded.

Tuesday’s bombings came just days after authorities arrested a suspect in last year’s Paris attacks.

Salah Abdeslam, 26, was injured during a shootout with police in the Molenbeek area of Brussels but survived and was taken into custody.

Updated at 10:39 a.m.