New details have emerged about the terror plot dismantled in Antwerp this week, suggesting that both Prime Minister Bart De Wever and Mayor Els van Doesburg were potential targets. It has sparked alarm across Europe, with Dutch politician Geert Wilders now saying he, too, may have been on the extremists’ hitlist.
According to Gazet van Antwerpen, the terrorist plot foiled by police on Thursday, October 9th, also included plans to target Antwerp’s mayor Els van Doesburg (N-VA).
Belgian prime minister Bart De Wever (also N-VA) was already known to be one of the intended victims of the three young men arrested during the anti-terror operation conducted by the Antwerp Federal Judicial Police and the Federal Prosecutor’s Office. According to reports, actomg Mayor Van Doesburg was likewise identified as a possible target. Like De Wever, she was informed of the threat by the police. Van Doesburg has chosen not to make any public statements.
Earlier reports indicated that the suspects planned to use a homemade explosive device mounted on a drone to attack “local politicians.”
Federal police officers carried out raids early Thursday morning, October 9th, at multiple locations in Antwerp and Borsbeek. During a search on Sint-Rochusstraat, they discovered a homemade explosive device. At another address in Borsbeek, investigators searched the residence of a 23-year-old Belgian national of Chechen origin, seizing computers and a 3D printer allegedly used to manufacture parts for drones.
Investigators believe that Prime Minister De Wever was the main target, but that Van Doesburg was also in danger. Wilders responded to reports suggesting he may have been among the intended targets of the terror cell:
It’s now being investigated whether this report is true or not. Until I know, I’m not going anywhere.
As a result, Wilders did not participate in the NOS Radio Debate this afternoon, which traditionally marks the start of the Dutch public broadcaster’s election coverage. On October 9th, he had already commented on the news of the foiled attack against Prime Minister De Wever:
Islamic terror knows no borders, only blind hatred and deadly violence. We love life; they love death. Stay strong, Prime Minister De Wever.
Dutch right-wing leader Wilders is an outspoken critic of Islam who has lived under round-the-clock security for two decades.
