Brussels attacks won't shake resolve to defeat Islamic State: US

WASHINGTON: The attacks in Brussels on Tuesday that killed at least 34 people will not undermine the will of the United States and its allies to ramp up the campaign against Islamic State, US Defense Secretary Ash Carter told Congress.

"No attack will affect our resolve to accelerate the defeat of ISIL," Carter told a hearing of the House Armed Services Committee, using an acronym for Islamic State. He did not attribute blame for the attacks on any specific group.

The United States was monitoring the situation in Brussels, including ensuring that US personnel and citizens were accounted for, he said.

"We also stand ready to provide assistance to our friends and allies in Europe as necessary," he said.