Brussels: Belgian authorities have foiled a planned jihadist drone attack targeting Prime Minister Bart De Wever, following the arrest of three men in Antwerp, officials confirmed on Friday.
According to Federal Prosecutor Anne Fransen, the suspects—described as young men—were detained during coordinated operations in the northern city. Two remain in custody and will appear before an investigating judge today, while the third has been released pending further investigation.
Fransen said preliminary evidence indicates that the plot was motivated by jihadist extremism. Police carried out searches at four properties, including one located just 100 metres from the prime minister’s residence.
During the raids, officers discovered a bag containing metal pellets and a device that could be used to construct an explosive, along with a 3D printer believed to have been used to manufacture drone components. Investigators believe the group intended to use explosives mounted on a drone to attack the prime minister and other senior politicians.
Security services intercepted the plan before it could be executed. Officials said the suspects were attempting to build a drone capable of carrying a lethal payload.
A source close to the prime minister confirmed that De Wever was the primary target. Before becoming prime minister earlier this year, De Wever served as the mayor of Antwerp, where he had previously faced threats from extremist groups.
Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot described the revelations as “deeply shocking” and praised law enforcement for their swift action. “This incident is a stark reminder that the terrorist threat remains real and that vigilance is essential,” he said.
Defense Minister Théo Francken also expressed support for De Wever’s continued stance against terrorism, calling the attempted attack “an assault on democracy itself.”
De Wever has been the target of previous extremist plots. In 2023, five individuals were convicted of attempting to attack him during his tenure as Antwerp’s mayor—one of whom was identified as an Islamist extremist.
Belgium has faced a series of terrorist threats in recent years. In 2016, suicide bombings at Brussels Airport and a metro station killed 32 people and injured hundreds. The attack occurred months after the 2015 Paris terror attacks, which left 130 dead and were also linked to militants based in Belgium.
Officials say the latest case underscores the continued vigilance required to counter evolving terrorist threats across Europe.
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