Belgian authorities have thwarted a jihadist-inspired terror plot targeting the country's politicians, with Prime Minister Bart De Wever reported as a key target. The suspects allegedly planned to use a drone equipped with explosives in the attack .
Federal prosecutors announced the dismantling of the plot on Thursday, following police raids in the port city of Antwerp . Three young adults, born in 2001, 2002, and 2007, were arrested on suspicion of attempted terrorist murder and participation in a terrorist group's activities . While the prosecutor's office stated the plot was "jihadist-inspired" and targeted politicians, they did not publicly name the intended targets . However, multiple Belgian media outlets and the country's foreign minister confirmed that Prime Minister Bart De Wever was among those targeted . One of the suspects lived just a few hundred meters from De Wever's home in Antwerp .
A key element of the investigation points to the suspects' intention to use modern technology to carry out their attack. Federal prosecutor Ann Fransen stated there are "indications that the suspects aimed to construct a drone capable of carrying a payload" . During a search of one suspect's home in the Antwerp district of Deurne, investigators discovered an improvised explosive device that was not yet operational, along with a bag of metal pellets, suggesting the intent to build an explosive projectile . At a second location, police seized a 3D printer believed to have been used to manufacture components for the attack . Following questioning, two of the three suspects remained in custody and were set to appear before an investigating judge .
This foiled plot has triggered significant political alarm and highlights persistent security challenges in Belgium. Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot described the news as "deeply shocking" and emphasized that Belgium is actively strengthening its capabilities to combat new forms of terrorism, including the malicious use of drones . The case underscores a growing trend, as the federal prosecutor's office has already opened around 80 new terrorism investigations this year, surpassing the total for all of 2024 . This is not the first time Prime Minister De Wever has been targeted; in April 2025, five men were sentenced for a foiled 2023 plot to assassinate him . Energy Minister Mathieu Bihet echoed the sentiments of many officials, stating, "Terrorism has never disappeared. It remains an enemy of our democracy that we must continue to fight" .