Belgian federal authorities have apprehended three young suspects linked to an alleged terrorist plot targeting prominent political figures, including Prime Minister Bart De Wever. The arrests took place in Antwerp on Thursday morning, as part of a broader investigation into attempted terrorist activities.
Details of the arrests and investigation
According to federal prosecutor Ann Fransen, the suspects, born in 2001, 2002, and 2007, are facing serious charges, including attempted terrorist murder and involvement with a terrorist organization. While two of the suspects will remain in custody and are scheduled to appear before an investigating judge, the third suspect has been released.
“There are indications that the intention was to carry out a jihadist-inspired terrorist attack targeting politicians,”
Fransen stated during a press briefing. Reports from the Gazet van Antwerpen and VRT broadcaster suggest that among the intended targets was Prime Minister De Wever, the leader of the Flemish nationalist party New Flemish Alliance (N-VA). Philippe Kerckaert, a spokesperson for De Wever, declined to provide comments when approached by POLITICO.
Yvan Verougstraete, a Belgian Member of the European Parliament with Renew Europe, expressed his shock at the suspected assassination attempt through social media, stating, “Total support for the targeted individuals, including, it seems, our Prime Minister Bart De Wever.”
Findings from the investigation
Authorities conducted multiple raids in the Antwerp district of Deurne, uncovering an inactive device resembling an improvised explosive device and a bag of steel balls, as reported by the prosecutor’s office. Additionally, a 3D printer was confiscated from one of the suspects, believed to have been employed in the fabrication of bomb components. Investigators are currently examining evidence suggesting plans to utilize a drone for deploying the device.
Four homes were searched in the operation, supported by bomb squads and federal police units. Fransen emphasized the importance of vigilance regarding potential terrorist threats, noting, “This file shows that all security services must remain vigilant against the risk of terrorist attacks.”
This year alone, Belgian prosecutors have initiated approximately 80 new terrorism-related cases, surpassing the total number recorded in 2024. The recent arrests come nearly seven years after the tragic 2016 Brussels attacks, which resulted in the deaths of 32 individuals.
Prime Minister De Wever has previously been a target of assassination plots; in April, five men were sentenced by the Antwerp Court of Appeal for a foiled attempt to kill him, with one leader receiving a six-year prison term. This latest incident underscores the persistent challenges Belgium faces concerning terrorism and the need for continued security measures.