The Belgian government on Thursday (October 9) foiled an assassination plot targeting several Belgian political figures, including Prime Minister Bart De Wever, planned by a terrorist organization.
Justice Minister Annelies Verlinden stated that the police successfully thwarted the attack planned by the terrorist group on Thursday and arrested two suspects.
Prosecutors announced that the Antwerp police are questioning the two suspects and found suspected homemade explosive devices, a bag of steel balls, and evidence of the organization’s plan to carry out attacks using drones at their residence.
The prosecution stated that the incident involves investigations into attempted terror attacks and involvement in terrorist activities, indicating that there are signs that the suspects intended to carry out a jihadist-inspired terrorist attack targeting political figures.
Deputy Prime Minister Maxime Prevot wrote on social media, “The news of the attempted attack on Prime Minister Bart De Wever is shocking. This highlights the real terrorist threats we are facing, and we must remain vigilant.”
Belgium has faced multiple security threats in the past decade, with residents supporting or joining extremist organizations such as ISIS bringing terror activities to the country. The capital, Brussels, has even become a planning base for terrorists. Additionally, due to its unique geographical location, Belgium has become a hub for drug gangs, intensifying gang conflicts and escalating domestic security risks.
Belgium has experienced terrorist attacks in the past. In March 2016, suicide bombings at Brussels Airport and a metro station resulted in 32 deaths. ISIS claimed responsibility for the attacks. In October 2023, a self-proclaimed Islamic extremist shot and killed two Swedish citizens who were in Belgium to watch an international football match in Brussels.
(This article is based on reports from Reuters).