Belgian authorities have arrested three young suspects in connection with what prosecutors described as a planned terrorist attack targeting politicians, including Prime Minister Bart De Wever.
Federal prosecutor Ann Fransen stated that the suspects, born in 2001, 2002, and 2007, were detained on Thursday morning in Antwerp on suspicion of attempted terrorist murder and participation in a terrorist group. Two remain in custody and will appear before an investigative judge, while the third has been released.
“There are indications that the plan was inspired by jihadist ideology and targeted political figures,” Fransen said during a press conference.
Among the intended targets was De Wever, former mayor of Antwerp. During searches in the Deurne district, investigators discovered an inactive device resembling an improvised explosive device (IED), along with a bag containing steel balls.
Authorities also seized a 3D printer from a second suspect, believed to have been used to produce bomb components, and are investigating plans to deploy the device using a drone. Four home searches were conducted with the assistance of anti-bomb squads and federal police units.
Fransen warned that the case highlights the ongoing threat of terrorism in Belgium. So far this year, Belgian prosecutors have opened approximately 80 new terrorism cases, exceeding the total number of cases in 2024.
