Belgium PM was target of foiled jihadi attack plot – DW

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Belgium ‘must remain vigilant’
Belgium: Molenbeek and Islamist terror

Authorities in Belgium said on Thursday that they thwarted a terrorist plot to kill politicians in the country, including Prime Minister Bart de Wever.

Belgium’s federal public prosecutor’s office said Antwerp police had arrested two suspects as a result of an operation against the suspected terrorist cell.

“This judicial intervention is part of an investigation into, among other things, attempted terrorist murder and participation in the activities of a terrorist group,” the federal prosecutor’s office said in a statement.

“There are indications that the intention was to carry out a jihadist-inspired terrorist attack targeting politicians,” the statement added.

Prosecutors said they searched the houses of suspects, where a device that looked similar to an improvised explosive device was found.

“A 3D printer was found at the home of a second suspect, which is believed to have been used to make parts for the attack.

“There are also indications that the intention was to build a drone to attach a load,” the prosecutor’s statement said.

Belgium ‘must remain vigilant’

Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot expressed “gratitude to security services and the judiciary whose swift action helped prevent the worst.”

She called the discovery of the plot “deeply shocking.”

“I express my full support to the prime minister, his wife and his family,” Prevot wrote on X, calling it “a forceful reminder that the terrorist threat is a real one — and that we must remain vigilant.”

“Belgium is actively strengthening its capabilities to address new forms of terrorism, particularly through efforts to combat the malicious use of drones,” he added.

The plot is not the first time De Wever has faced threats to his life.

In April, five people were convicted of a 2023 plot to attack him while he was serving as Antwerp’s mayor. At least one of the suspects was known to have spread radical Islamic propaganda online.