Belgian Police Foil Suspected Plot to Attack Politicians, Arrest Three in Antwerp

Brussels, October 9: Belgian authorities have arrested three young men in the port city of Antwerp on suspicion of plotting a militant-style terrorist attack targeting national politicians, federal prosecutors announced on Thursday.

According to officials, the suspects were detained after anti-terrorism police raided several homes in Antwerp under the order of an investigating judge. The searches were carried out with the support of explosives sniffer dogs and forensic teams.

The raids were part of an investigation into “attempted terrorist murder” and “participation in the activities of a terrorist group,” prosecutors said in a statement.

“There are indications that the intention was to carry out a militant-inspired terrorist attack targeting politicians,” the federal prosecutor’s office stated, without naming any specific potential targets.

During the searches, police discovered a homemade explosive device at the residence of one of the suspects. The bomb was not operational at the time of discovery, but investigators also found a bag of steel balls, likely intended to serve as shrapnel.

At another location, police recovered a 3D printer, which they believe was being used to produce components for the planned device. Prosecutors further revealed that evidence suggests the suspects were planning to build a drone capable of carrying and deploying an explosive payload.

The three suspects, described as young adults born in 2001, 2002, and 2007, were detained for questioning. Two of them remained in custody late Thursday and were scheduled to appear before a judge on Friday, while the third suspect was released after initial interrogation.

Authorities have not disclosed the suspects’ motives or any links to known extremist organizations, but investigators say the plot bore hallmarks of a “militant-inspired” attack.

Belgium remains on alert for potential terrorist activity, particularly after a series of high-profile attacks in Europe over the past decade. Security services continue to monitor radicalized individuals and online extremist networks that may inspire lone-wolf or small-cell attacks.

The federal prosecutor’s office said the investigation is ongoing, and more arrests could follow as authorities analyze the recovered materials and digital evidence.