Belgian PM plot foiled

A plot to attack Prime Minister Bert de Vevere and other Belgian politicians has been foiled, the country's public prosecutor's office said.

In a post on Ex on Thursday, Belgian Deputy Prime Minister Maxime Prevost said the news of the plot to attack Prime Minister Bert de Vevere was "very worrying". It shows that we are facing a real terrorist threat, which is why we must be vigilant."

The European country has previously faced attacks by Islamic State-linked groups based in the Middle East. The country has also been increasingly insecure over the past decade due to rival drug gangs.

Belgian Justice Minister Anneliese Ferlinden wrote on Ex that police operations against terrorists likely prevented Thursday's attack.

Two suspects were arrested in the operation and are being questioned by Antwerp police, the country's public prosecutor's office said.

They said in a statement that there were indications that the motive was a jihadist attack targeting politicians.

The office said that during a search of the suspects' homes in Antwerp, they found a device resembling a homemade explosive device and a bag full of steel balls. It is also believed that drones were planned as part of the attack.

In March 2016, suicide bombers killed 32 people at Brussels airport and a metro station. Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attacks.

Source: Reuters