Belgian authorities say they’ve stopped a chilling terrorist plot to assassinate Prime Minister Bart De Wever and other politicians, using drones rigged with explosives.
Federal prosecutor Ann Fransen said on Thursday that three people have been arrested in connection with what investigators believe was a jihadist-inspired plan.
“Certain elements indicate that the suspects intended to carry out a terrorist attack against political figures,” Fransen told reporters.
“There are also indications that the suspects aimed to construct a drone to which a payload could be attached.”
Belgium’s public broadcaster RTBF reported that the suspects are under investigation for “attempted terrorist murder” and for participating in a terrorist group.
The target: Belgium’s prime minister
While Fransen didn’t name specific targets, several senior officials posted messages online confirming that De Wever, Belgium’s centre-right prime minister, was among them.
“The news of a planned attack targeting Prime Minister Bart De Wever is deeply shocking,” wrote Deputy PM Maxime Prevot on X. “My gratitude to the security and justice services whose swift action prevented the worst.”
Defence Minister Theo Francken echoed the sentiment:
“Prime Minister, Bart, all our support for you and your family. Thanks to the security services. Never surrender.”
De Wever himself hasn’t commented publicly.
Explosives near his home
Belgian newspaper Gazet van Antwerpen said police found explosives inside a building just a few hundred metres from De Wever’s residence in Antwerp. Among the items seized were a partially built IED, a bag of steel balls, and a 3D printer, believed to be used to construct parts for a drone-bomb hybrid.
Authorities say the suspects were born in 2001, 2002, and 2007, meaning one of them is only 17 years old. One has already been released, while the other two will appear before an investigating judge on Friday.
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