Proof was present in a constructing just a few hundred metres from Prime Minister Bart De Wever’s Antwerp residence.
Printed On 10 Oct 2025
Belgian authorities say they’ve arrested three individuals in reference to a plot to assault Prime Minister Bart De Wever and different politicians utilizing drone-mounted explosives.
Federal prosecutor Ann Fransen introduced the arrests on Thursday and stated the group have been underneath investigation for an “tried terrorist homicide and participation within the actions of a terrorist group”, in accordance with Belgian public broadcaster RTBF.
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“Sure parts point out that the suspects meant to hold out a jihadist-inspired terrorist assault in opposition to political figures,” Fransen informed reporters.
“There are additionally indications that the suspects aimed to assemble a drone to which a payload may very well be hooked up,” she added.
Fransen didn’t title their meant targets, however social media posts from senior figures in De Wever’s authorities point out that he was on the checklist.
“The information of a deliberate assault concentrating on Prime Minister Bart De Wever is deeply surprising,” wrote Deputy Prime Minister Maxime Prevot in a put up on X.
“I categorical my full assist to the Prime Minister, his spouse, and his household, in addition to my gratitude to the safety and justice companies whose swift motion prevented the worst.”
Defence Minister Theo Francken shared the same message on X.
“Prime Minister, Bart, all our assist for you and your loved ones. Due to the safety companies. By no means give up,” he stated.
De Wever didn’t instantly touch upon the case.
Belgium’s Gazet van Antwerpen newspaper stated explosives have been discovered by police in an Antwerp constructing just a few hundred metres from De Wever’s residence.
Proof included an improvised explosive gadget nonetheless underneath building, a bag of metal balls, and a 3D printer, the newspaper stated. Police consider the group have been making an attempt to construct a drone able to carrying an explosive payload.
Authorities didn’t launch the names of the suspects however stated they’d been born in 2001, 2002, and 2007.
One of many suspects has been launched, in accordance with Fransen, and two are attributable to seem earlier than an investigating choose on Friday.
Gazet van Antwerpen stated De Wever has been the topic of earlier threats. Earlier this yr, a Belgian court docket convicted 5 individuals of creating preparations to hold out an assault in opposition to him.
