Police thwart suspected plot to attack Belgium’s prime minister

Three men have been arrested in Belgium over a suspected plot to attack the country’s politicians, including Prime Minister Bart De Wever.

The suspects were not identified, but were described as “young adults,” born in 2001, 2002 and 2007, and all three lived in the city of Antwerp.

As of Thursday evening, two suspects were still being questioned by Antwerp police, and were due to appear before the investigating judge on Friday.

Police said the third suspect was released.

Federal prosecutors said they were taken into custody after an anti-terrorism judge ordered searches of their homes in the city by police officers backed by explosive sniffer dogs.

They said in a statement that the raids were “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,” they added, without naming the individuals who might have been targeted as part of the suspected plot.

But in a post on social media, Belgian foreign minister and deputy prime minister Maxime Prevot said the attack allegedly planned to target Prime Minister Bart De Wever – a former mayor of Antwerp who lives in the city.

He said it was “deeply shocking,” adding his thanks to security and justice services for their “rapid action”.

Prosecutors said police found “an improvised device” that was not operational at the time in one of the suspects’ houses.

A bag of steel balls was also found during search, and a 3D printer believed to be used to make parts for the alleged planned attack was found at another residence.

“There are also indications that the intention was to build a drone to attach a load,” the prosecutors added.