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What happened
Belgian police have arrested three individuals suspected of plotting a jihadist-inspired attack on Prime Minister Bart de Wever. The arrests occurred in Antwerp, where authorities discovered an improvised explosive device and evidence indicating plans to utilize a drone for the attack. The suspects, born in 2001, 2002, and 2007, were taken into custody following searches of their homes, which were supported by explosive detection dogs. One suspect has since been released, while the other two remain in custody and are expected to appear in court. Deputy Prime Minister Maxime Prevot expressed shock at the planned attack, emphasizing the serious terrorist threat facing the country. This incident is part of a broader trend, with Belgian authorities reporting 80 terrorism investigations this year, surpassing the total for 2024. Previous threats against de Wever were noted, including a conviction related to a 2023 plot during his tenure as Antwerp's mayor.
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Key insights
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1
Terrorist Threat in Belgium
The incident highlights the ongoing risk of terrorism in Belgium.
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2
Use of Drones in Attacks
The suspects planned to use a drone, indicating a new trend in terrorist tactics.
Takeaways
The foiled plot underscores the persistent threat of terrorism in Belgium.