Three young men arrested in Antwerp over alleged terror plot targeting politicians

Antwerp police have arrested three young men suspected of planning a jihadist-inspired terrorist attack targeting politicians, the Belgian federal prosecutor’s office confirmed on Thursday.

The suspects, born in 2001, 2002 and 2007, were detained during four house searches carried out in the Antwerp district of Deurne. One of them has since been released, while the other two will appear before an investigating judge on Friday.

During the raids, investigators discovered an object resembling an improvised explosive device (IED), a bag of metal pellets, and a 3D printer believed to have been used to produce parts for the planned attack. Prosecutors believe the suspects were preparing to attach an explosive charge to a drone.

According to some Belgian media outlets, the alleged plot may have targeted prime minister Bart De Wever, though this has not been officially confirmed. The searches took place just a few hundred metres from his private residence.

The operation, conducted by the Federal Judicial Police of Antwerp with assistance from bomb disposal unit DOVO, explosives dogs and federal police special units, briefly led to the evacuation of nearby residents due to safety concerns.

The investigation is being led by a judge specialising in terrorism cases. 

^{#FlandersNewsService | The logo of the Federal Prosecutor's Office during a press conference on the arrest of three young men suspected of planning a terrorist attack targeting politicians © BELGA PHOTO DIRK WAEM}