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Congressional leaders on Tuesday said the bombings in Brussels underscore the need to accelerate the military campaign against terrorist groups and to boost airport security in the United States.

Blasts that struck a major international airport and a metro station frequented by European diplomats put Brussels on lockdown Tuesday amid fears the attacks were carried out in retaliation for the recent capture of Salah Abdeslam, the presumed mastermind of the November Paris attacks.

The Islamic State, also known as ISIL or ISIS, took credit for the attacks.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - As scenes of terror spread around the globe Tuesday, the attacks in Brussels struck a nerve with Charlotte’s Congressional delegation.

Rep. Richard Hudson, R-Concord, said he was appalled to hear the news but unfortunately not surprised.

“It’s a reminder to us that while some in this country may think we’re not at war with the terrorists, the terrorists think they’re at war with us and we’ve got to remain vigilant,” Hudson said.