Authorities in Belgium have arrested three individuals on suspicion of planning an attack against Prime Minister Bart de Wever. Prosecutors have characterized the alleged plot as a “jihadist-inspired terrorist attack” aimed at the Prime Minister and other political figures. During police searches in Deurne, Antwerp—a location near de Wever’s private residence—officials discovered what appeared to be an improvised explosive device along with evidence suggesting the suspects intended to utilize a drone.
While the prosecutor’s office has not disclosed the names of the intended targets, Deputy Prime Minister Maxime Prevot indicated that de Wever was among them. The three arrested males, residents of Antwerp aged 16, 21, and 22, are facing charges of attempted terrorist murder and involvement in terrorist activities.
As of Thursday evening, one of the three detainees has been released, while the other two remain in custody, undergoing questioning. They are expected to appear in court on Friday. The suspects were apprehended following judicially authorized searches of their homes, conducted by police with the assistance of explosive detection dogs. During these searches, officials discovered a device similar to an improvised explosive, a bag containing steel balls, and a 3D printer, which suggests preparations for using a drone in the attack.
Federal prosecutor Ann Fransen noted that Belgium has seen a notable increase in terrorism investigations this year, with 80 cases opened thus far, surpassing the total from 2024. Notably, in April, five individuals were convicted for a separate plot to attack de Wever when he served as the mayor of Antwerp.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cd721zdzr4xo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss