As more than 20 people have been confirmed dead and dozens injured by three explosions rocking Brussels on Tuesday morning, many are wondering whether the explosions are linked to the terror raids in Belgium on Friday.
The raids ended with alleged terrorist Salah Abdeslam arrested and charged over the Paris attacks. But national security expert Dr Alexey Muraviev told The Huffington Post Australia he doesn't believe the explosions are a "knee jerk reaction" to the raids.
"It is a series of well-planned and well-coordinated attacks, paralysing Brussels' transportation network," Dr Alexey, who advises the federal government on national security matters, told HuffPost Australia.
"It may seem to be a response to the counter terrorism raids but normally these types of attacks require significant preparation in terms of the logistical elements such as strike teams, assembly of improvised explosive devices.. that all requires time and effort."
Dr Muraviev -- who is the Head of the Department of Social Sciences and Security Studies at Curtin University -- said Brussels is a particularly difficult city to plan an attack on as security is particularly strong.
"Brussels is an iconic target, being at the heart of the European Union. It’s a very symbolic place for the attacks to occur.. it represents the EU and it represents the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation.
"It will have a serious impact on the stance of security by the Europeans."
Belgium's terror threat has since been upgraded to the highest level, with both Paris and Frankfurt airports tightening their security.
Brussel's transportation network is at a standstill, the airport closed and Belgians are being advised to stay where they are as emergency services work to evacuate the injured.
While the nation, the continent and the world unite in solidarity, Dr Muraviev said the attacks have the potential to cause further conflict over asylum seeker policies throughout the world, but particularly in Europe.
"It will also fuel radical right-wing elements in response to the refugee crisis. There’s likely to be some form of retribution and they may also spark violence on a different level."