Belgian authorities have foiled what they describe as a jihadist-inspired terrorist plot aimed at assassinating politicians, including the country’s newly appointed Prime Minister Bart De Wever, using a drone laden with explosives. The dramatic arrests took place in Antwerp on October 9, 2025, following a swift investigation that has sent shockwaves through Belgium’s political establishment and reignited debate about the evolving nature of terrorism in Europe.
According to federal prosecutor Ann Fransen, the three suspects—young adults born in 2001, 2002, and 2007—were taken into custody as part of an operation targeting “attempted terrorist murder and participation in the activities of a terrorist group.” Fransen, speaking at a press conference, explained, “Certain elements indicate that the suspects intended to carry out a jihadist-inspired terrorist attack against political figures. There are also indications that the suspects aimed to construct a drone capable of carrying a payload.” (as reported by RTBF and Barron’s)
The plot, investigators say, centered on the use of a drone as a delivery mechanism for explosives—an alarming escalation in the use of technology by would-be terrorists. During coordinated raids, police searched a residence just a few hundred meters from De Wever’s home in Antwerp. There, they discovered an improvised but incomplete explosive device containing metal pellets. At another suspect’s residence, authorities found a 3D printer believed to have been used to produce components for the planned attack, as detailed by Gazet van Antwerpen.
Belgian media and officials have not publicly named the suspects, but confirmed their years of birth and that two remain in custody for questioning by federal police. They are expected to appear before an investigating judge. The third suspect was released after initial questioning. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not ruled out further arrests.
The news has prompted an outpouring of support for the prime minister and his family. Deputy Prime Minister Maxime Prevot wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “The news of a planned attack targeting Prime Minister Bart De Wever is deeply shocking. I express my full support to the Prime Minister, his wife, and his family, as well as my gratitude to the security and justice services whose swift action prevented the worst.” Defence Minister Theo Francken echoed the sentiment, posting, “Prime Minister, Bart, all our support for you and your family. Thanks to the security services. Never surrender.”
De Wever himself has not immediately commented on the incident, but the gravity of the situation is underscored by the fact that this is not the first time he has faced threats. Earlier in 2025, five people were convicted for preparing a 2023 plot to attack De Wever while he was mayor of Antwerp. The recurrence of such threats has sparked renewed calls for vigilance and investment in counterterrorism resources.
Belgium’s federal public prosecutor’s office, in a statement, emphasized the seriousness of the case: “This judicial intervention is part of an investigation into, among other things, attempted terrorist murder and participation in the activities of a terrorist group. There are indications that the intention was to carry out a jihadist-inspired terrorist attack targeting politicians.” The statement also confirmed the discovery of a device resembling an improvised explosive device, a bag of steel balls, and evidence suggesting the group aimed to use a drone as part of their attack (as reported by Reuters and South China Morning Post).
The use of drones in terror plots is a growing concern for European security agencies. Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot called the discovery of the plot “deeply shocking” and a “forceful reminder that the terrorist threat is a real one—and that we must remain vigilant.” She added, “Belgium is actively strengthening its capabilities to address new forms of terrorism, particularly through efforts to combat the malicious use of drones.”
Belgian Justice Minister Annelies Verlinden also weighed in, noting on social media that the police operation had “possibly prevented an attack from being carried out on Thursday.” The sense of relief among officials is palpable, but so too is the awareness of the challenges ahead. In recent years, Belgium has been no stranger to terrorist violence. The country suffered devastating attacks in March 2016, when suicide bombers killed 32 people at Brussels airport and in the city’s metro, attacks later claimed by Islamic State. More recently, in October 2023, a self-proclaimed Islamist militant shot dead two Swedish citizens in Brussels.
Public prosecutors have responded to the latest plot by appealing to the government for more support, citing a rise in terror incidents throughout 2025. The trend, officials say, highlights the evolving tactics of terrorist groups, who are increasingly turning to emerging technologies and exploiting online radicalization. At least one of the suspects in the current case was known to have spread radical Islamic propaganda online, according to Deutsche Welle.
The Belgian authorities’ quick action has been widely praised, but the case has ignited a broader conversation about the adequacy of current security measures. The discovery of a 3D printer in one suspect’s home underscores how easily accessible technology can be repurposed for nefarious ends. Experts warn that the proliferation of consumer drones and 3D printing technology presents new challenges for law enforcement and intelligence agencies.
As the investigation proceeds, the public and political class alike are grappling with the implications. The fact that the suspects were so young—one just 18 years old, another barely 23, and the youngest only 17—has sparked concern about the ongoing threat of youth radicalization. Belgian officials are now calling for renewed efforts to counter extremist propaganda online and to strengthen community outreach programs aimed at preventing radicalization before it takes root.
For now, the thwarted plot stands as a stark reminder of the ever-present threat of terrorism in Europe’s democracies. The details uncovered—a drone, a homemade bomb, a 3D printer—read like something out of a thriller novel, but for Belgium’s leaders and its citizens, the danger was all too real. The swift response of law enforcement, the solidarity among political leaders, and the vigilance of the public remain the country’s best defenses against those who would seek to sow violence and fear.
As Belgium looks to bolster its defenses against new forms of terrorism, the events of October 9 serve as a chilling testament to both the resilience of its institutions and the adaptability of those who seek to undermine them.
