Belgian security services say they have thwarted an elaborate terrorist plot to assassinate Prime Minister Bart De Wever and other senior politicians using explosives mounted on drones.
Federal prosecutors confirmed on Thursday that three people — all young men born between 2001 and 2007 — were taken into custody following a series of coordinated raids in Antwerp. The suspects are being investigated for attempted terrorist murder and participation in the activities of a terrorist organisation, according to federal prosecutor Ann Fransen.
“Preliminary findings suggest the individuals were inspired by jihadist ideology and were in the process of developing a drone capable of carrying and deploying explosive materials,” Fransen told reporters in Brussels. She added that early evidence indicated “clear intent to target high-profile political figures.”
Though Fransen did not officially identify the intended targets, several Belgian ministers took to social media acknowledging that De Wever had been among them.
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Deputy Prime Minister Maxime Prévot described the revelation as “deeply shocking,” thanking security forces for “their swift action which prevented a national tragedy.” Defence Minister Theo Francken echoed that sentiment, posting, “Prime Minister, Bart — all our support to you and your family. Never surrender.”
Local daily Gazet van Antwerpen reported that investigators discovered explosives and components for an improvised device inside a building just a few hundred metres from the Prime Minister’s residence. Items recovered included a half-assembled IED, a bag of steel balls, and a 3D printer believed to have been used to fabricate drone parts.
Authorities believe the suspects were testing ways to modify a commercial drone to carry an explosive payload — an alarming development in the evolution of small-scale terrorism tactics in Europe.
One suspect has since been released, while two others are scheduled to appear before an investigating magistrate on Friday.
Prime Minister De Wever, a prominent right-wing leader and frequent target of extremist threats, has not yet issued a public statement. Earlier this year, five men were convicted for a separate plot to attack him — underscoring a persistent security concern surrounding Belgium’s political elite.