The Belgian Public Prosecutor’s Office and Deputy Prime Minister Maxim Prévot announced on Thursday that a “terrorist” cell’s plot to carry out attacks on Belgian politicians, including Prime Minister Bart De Wever, was foiled.

Prévot wrote on the X platform, “The news of the planned attack targeting Prime Minister Bart De Wever is extremely shocking.”

He added, “The news highlights that we are facing a very real terrorist threat and we must remain vigilant.”

The Belgian Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office said Antwerp police arrested two suspects and are interrogating them as part of an operation against the cell.

The office stated, “This judicial intervention is part of an investigation into attempted terrorist murder and participation in terrorist group activities, among other charges.”

It added that “there are indications that the intention was to carry out a terrorist attack, similar to extremist attacks, targeting politicians.”

The statement noted that searches of the suspects’ homes in Antwerp led to the discovery of a device resembling a homemade explosive, a bag of steel balls, and indications that the group planned to use a drone as part of their attack.

In March 2016, 32 people were killed in suicide bombings at Brussels airport and the city metro during attacks claimed by the Islamic State group, while in October 2023, a man identifying as Islamist shot and killed Swedish citizens who were in Brussels to attend an international football match.