Authorities in Belgium have arrested three suspects in Antwerp over an alleged plot to attack multiple politicians, including Prime Minister Bart De Wever. Prosecutors stated that elements of the case suggest the individuals intended to carry out a jihadist-inspired terrorist attack against political figures.

Prosecutor Ann Fransen revealed that investigators found an improvised device potentially capable of explosion, along with metal pellets, during a search of one suspect’s residence. A second suspect’s home yielded a 3D printer believed to have been used for manufacturing components linked to the planned attack. The suspects, born in 2001, 2002, and 2007, were being questioned by federal police and scheduled to appear before an investigating judge.

De Wever, who previously served as Antwerp’s mayor, was among the reported targets. Defense Minister Theo Francken expressed support for the prime minister and his family on social media, while Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot emphasized the ongoing terrorist threat and Belgium’s efforts to counter emerging risks like drone-based attacks.

Prosecutors noted that this case underscores persistent security challenges, with over 80 terrorism-related investigations opened in Belgium so far this year—exceeding last year’s total. The arrests follow a 2023 plot against De Wever, which resulted in prison sentences for five individuals.