Plot to Attack Belgian PM with Drone Foiled

Belgian law enforcement agencies have prevented a planned terrorist attack against the country's Prime Minister, Bart De Wever, and other high-ranking politicians. Authorities have arrested three individuals who intended to carry out their plan using a drone equipped with explosives. Federal prosecutor Ann Fransen stated at a press conference on October 9 that the detainees are suspected of "attempted murder with terrorist intent and participation in the activities of a terrorist group." "Certain evidence indicates that the suspects intended to carry out a jihadist terrorist attack aimed at politicians," Fransen noted. She added that there is also information that the group aimed to create a UAV to which an explosive charge could be attached.

Although the prosecutor's office has not officially named the targets, posts on the social media of De Wever's government members confirm that the prime minister was one of the main targets. "The news of a planned attack against Prime Minister Bart De Wever is deeply shocking," Deputy Prime Minister Maxime Prévot wrote on his X page, expressing his full support for the prime minister and his family and thanking the security services for "preventing the worst." Minister of Defence Theo Francken also expressed his support for De Wever, writing: "Prime Minister, Bart, all our support to you and your family. Thank you to the security services. Never give up."

De Wever himself has not yet commented on the incident.

According to the Belgian newspaper "Gazet van Antwerpen," the police conducted a search of a building in the city of Antwerp, located just a few hundred meters from De Wever's residence. An improvised explosive device, still in the process of being made, a bag full of steel balls, and a 3D printer were found there. Law enforcement believes the group was trying to build a UAV capable of carrying an explosive charge.

The names of the detainees have not been released, but it is known that they were born in 2001, 2002, and 2007. One of the suspects has been released, while the other two will appear in court on Friday.

It should be noted that this is not the first time Bart De Wever has been the target of threats. Earlier this year, a Belgian court found five people guilty of preparing an attack against him.