Foiled Terror Plot Against Belgian Prime Minister Bart de Wever

Belgian police have apprehended three suspects linked to a plot targeting Prime Minister Bart de Wever, which has been identified as a 'jihadist-inspired terrorist attack' by prosecutors. This development has raised alarm over the ongoing security threat in the country.

The arrests took place in Deurne, Antwerp, where authorities discovered an improvised explosive device and indications of a plan to utilize a drone to facilitate the attack. The Prime Minister's residence was reportedly a point of focus.

Deputy Prime Minister Maxime Prevot expressed shock over the intended strike, emphasizing the grave nature of the threat posed to the nation. It highlights that we are facing a very real terrorist threat and that we have to remain vigilant, he stated on social media.

The individuals arrested are all Antwerp residents and were born in the early 2000s. One suspect has since been released, while the other two are still being interrogated and are expected to face court hearings soon.

During searches, police were supported by explosive detection dogs, which led to findings including a bag of steel balls and a 3D printer, corroborating the alleged plans to carry out a drone attack. Federal prosecutor Ann Fransen highlighted that this year alone has seen 80 terrorism investigations, surpassing the total cases from the previous year.

In 2023, several individuals were convicted for a similar plot against De Wever during his tenure as mayor of Antwerp, showcasing the ongoing security challenges authorities face.