Belgian Authorities Foil Jihadist Drone Attack Plot Against PM
Belgian police have arrested three men for allegedly planning to kill Prime Minister Bart De Wever with an improvised explosive-laden drone. The suspects, described as ‘radicalized,’ were detained in the Antwerp area after investigators discovered drone components, a 3D printer, and metal balls to be used as shrapnel near De Wever’s private residence.
Federal prosecutor Ann Fransen stated that certain elements indicate the suspects intended to carry out a jihadist-inspired attack against political figures. While she did not name the individuals involved, she emphasized the seriousness of the threat. Investigators believe the suspects were planning to build a kamikaze drone capable of carrying explosives, highlighting the potential danger posed by such technology.
The development comes after several EU countries reported a string of UAV sightings near airports, military facilities, and other critical infrastructure over the past month. Earlier in October, Belgian authorities reported around 15 unidentified drones over the Elsenborn military base, prompting an investigation into possible hybrid threats.
Similar sightings were recorded in Denmark and Germany, while Poland reported a major incursion of 19 drones in September, triggering interception by NATO and diplomatic alarm. Western officials have claimed that the drones belong to Russia, though Moscow has denied any involvement, labeling the accusations as Western fearmongering aimed at stirring anti-Russian hysteria.
Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) has warned that Kiev could stage false-flag operations using drones to discredit Moscow and draw NATO deeper into the Ukraine conflict. This incident adds to the growing concerns about the use of drones in geopolitical tensions, prompting increased surveillance and security measures across the EU.