Deurne (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Belgian authorities arrested 3 suspects (born 2001, 2002, 2007) in Antwerp for plotting a drone bomb attack near Prime Minister Bart De Wever’s home in Deurne; explosives and a 3D printer were seized.
As GVA News reported, Belgian authorities have dismantled a suspected terrorist cell accused of plotting an attack on Prime Minister Bart De Wever (N-VA)’s home in Deurne. The operation was led by federal prosecutors and the Antwerp Police terrorism unit during early morning raids on Thursday, Oct 9, 2025.
What were the 3 Antwerp suspects planning near PM Bart De Wever’s home?
The house where the explosive was found is located only a few hundred meters from De Wever’s private home in Deurne-Zuid. Investigators are checking if the suspects deliberately chose a property close to the prime minister’s residence. The origins of the materials used to build the explosive and the drone are now being traced.
Federal investigators in Antwerp have arrested 3 young suspects accused of planning a terrorist attack against Prime Minister Bart De Wever (N-VA). The federal prosecutor’s office confirmed during a press conference at 6 p.m. that the suspects were born in 2001, 2002, and 2007. They are under investigation for attempted terrorist murder.
2 suspects are still being questioned and will appear before an investigating judge tomorrow, Oct 10, 2025. The 3rd suspect, a man born in 2001, was released after questioning earlier in the day. Police carried out 4 house searches across Antwerp, including one on Sint-Rochusstraat in Deurne-Zuid.
Inside that property, officers found a homemade explosive device believed to be designed for use with a drone. Investigators also seized metal ball bearings and drone components. The bomb disposal team was called to secure the scene, and forensic experts continue to analyse the evidence.
“An improvised device was found that strongly resembled an IED (improvised explosive device), but it was not yet operational. A small bag containing steel balls was also found,”
the federal prosecutor’s office said.
“A 3D printer was found on a second suspect, likely to be used to produce components for the attack. There are indications that they intended to manufacture a drone to attach a payload.”
“No further information will be provided to avoid harming the ongoing investigation,”
it concludes.
The prime minister has been informed about the case but has not issued a public statement. Prosecutors are considering charges of attempted terrorist murder and membership in a terrorist organisation. Earlier this year, the Court of Appeal convicted 5 men for preparing an attack against De Wever but found that the threat was not immediate.
In a separate case last week, a suspicious package was found outside the prime minister’s home on Herentalsebaan. It contained a can of paint and a Christmas card, and police arrested a local man with mental health problems. Authorities say that the incident has no link to the current terrorism investigation.
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