2 Americans confirmed dead in Brussels attacks; Kerry visits

BRUSSELS (AP) — At least two Americans have been confirmed killed in the Brussels attacks, the State Department said today, as top U.S. diplomat John Kerry visited the stricken city to express condolences and defended Belgium's counterterrorism efforts against "carping" by critics.

Speaking after meeting Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel, Kerry said the "United States is praying and grieving with you for the loved ones of those cruelly taken from us, including Americans, and for the many who were injured in these despicable attacks."

Kerry did not offer specific details, but the State Department later confirmed that the families of two Americans had been informed of their deaths in the attacks Tuesday. Spokeswoman Elizabeth Trudeau said the names were being withheld out of privacy considerations. The bombings killed 31 people and wounded 270.

Visiting the Belgian capital on a hastily arranged stop, Kerry said all governments must consistently improve their strategies to fight terrorism, but maintained that Belgium had made significant improvements over the past year despite failing to stop Tuesday's attacks. He noted that Belgium had actively sought additional assistance and that 10 or 11 FBI agents are now in Brussels helping with the investigation.