Overview
- Belgian federal prosecutors said three young men were arrested in Antwerp over an alleged jihadist plan to use a drone against politicians, with Prime Minister Bart De Wever confirmed as a target.
- Searches uncovered an improvised but inoperable device, a bag of metal or steel balls, and a 3D printer suspected for making parts, indicating a plan to attach a payload to a drone.
- Two suspects were held to appear before an examining judge on Friday on counts including attempted terrorist murder and participation in a terrorist group, while a third was released.
- Police searched a residence near the prime minister’s home in Antwerp, and senior officials publicly praised security services after the arrests.
- Prosecutors reported about 80 new terrorism investigations in 2025, exceeding last year’s total, and requested more resources as authorities adapt to threats using inexpensive technologies.