Investigators discovered incriminating materials in a building located just a few hundred meters from Prime Minister Bart De Wever’s home in Antwerp.
Published On 10 Oct 2025
Belgian law enforcement officials have detained three individuals suspected of orchestrating a drone-based explosive attack targeting Prime Minister Bart De Wever along with other political leaders.
Federal prosecutor Ann Fransen revealed the arrests on Thursday, stating that the suspects face charges related to “attempted terrorist murder and involvement in terrorist group activities,” as reported by Belgian broadcaster RTBF.
“Evidence suggests the suspects planned a jihadist-inspired assault aimed at political figures,” Fransen explained during a press briefing.
She further noted, “There are signs that the group intended to assemble a drone capable of carrying an explosive device.”
While Fransen did not specify the exact targets, social media posts from prominent members of De Wever’s administration imply that the Prime Minister was among those threatened.
Deputy Prime Minister Maxime Prevot expressed his shock on X, stating, “The revelation of a planned attack against Prime Minister Bart De Wever is profoundly disturbing. I stand firmly with the Prime Minister, his spouse, and family, and commend the security and judicial teams whose prompt intervention averted tragedy.”
Similarly, Defence Minister Theo Francken posted, “Bart, Prime Minister, you and your family have our unwavering support. Thanks to the security forces for their dedication. We will never back down.”
Prime Minister De Wever has yet to issue a public statement regarding the investigation.
According to Gazet van Antwerpen, police uncovered explosives inside a property situated mere hundreds of meters from De Wever’s residence in Antwerp.
The seized items included a partially constructed improvised explosive device, a container filled with steel ball bearings, and a 3D printer. Authorities believe the suspects were attempting to build a drone capable of delivering an explosive payload.
The identities of the detainees have not been disclosed, but officials confirmed their birth years as 2001, 2002, and 2007.
Prosecutor Fransen mentioned that one suspect has been released, while the remaining two are scheduled to appear before an investigative judge on Friday.
Gazet van Antwerpen also reported that De Wever has previously been targeted. Earlier this year, a Belgian court convicted five individuals for plotting an attack against him.
