Belgian Authorities Foil Drone Terror Plot Targeting Prime Minister De Wever
Belgian authorities are holding two suspects in connection with a suspected attack on Prime Minister Bart De Wever. Investigators revealed on Thursday that they are examining evidence of plans to utilize a drone to detonate a potential explosive device for a “jihadist-inspired terrorist attack,” along with bomb components produced using a 3D printer, reports 24brussels.
This foiled plot underscores the escalating concern in Europe regarding the increasing drone threat. In the past month, swarms of unmanned aerial vehicles have intruded into the airspace of Belgium, Poland, Romania, Denmark, and Norway.
Outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof characterized the circumstances surrounding the threats to De Wever as “completely unacceptable,” noting that far-right candidate Geert Wilders has suspended his campaign activities, including skipping a critical radio debate by the Dutch state broadcaster NOS on Friday.
“I am confident that all security organizations and services involved will work closely together and do everything in their power to ensure that the campaigns and elections proceed safely,” Schoof stated on X. “This is of the utmost importance for our democracy.”
Throughout his two-decade political career, Wilders has faced multiple threats, including from Al-Qaeda militants in 2020 and a former Pakistani cricketer, who received a 12-year prison sentence in absentia for incitement to murder in 2023.
