Belgian authorities on Thursday said they had foiled a plot to attack several politicians, including Prime Minister Bart de Wever. The announcement came from the public prosecutor’s office and Deputy Prime Minister Maxime Prévot.

“The news of a planned attack targeting Prime Minister Bart de Wever is extremely shocking,” Prevot wrote on X.

“It highlights that we are facing a very real terrorist threat and that we have to remain vigilant,” he added.

Authorities believe the plot was “jihadist-inspired” and involved plans to use drones carrying explosives, with one suspect’s home housing an improvised device and 3D printer parts.

Belgium has had to contend with attacks from people associated with Islamic State, as well as rising insecurity from feuding drug gangs, over the last decade.

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