Police in Belgium have arrested three people for planning a jihadist-inspired attack using explosives mounted on drones, with the Belgian prime minister among the politicians targeted.
The arrests were made in the northern city of Antwerp as part of an investigation into "attempted terrorist murder and participation in the activities of a terrorist group," federal prosecutor Ann Fransen said at a news conference.
"Certain elements indicate that the suspects intended to carry out a jihadist-inspired terrorist attack against political figures," Fransen said. "There are also indications that the suspects intended to build a drone capable of carrying a payload," she added.
The prosecutor's office declined to name the intended targets, but some Flemish media reported that they included the prime minister, Bart De Wever, who was previously mayor of Antwerp.
"Prime Minister Bart, all our support goes to you and your family. Thank you to the security services," said Defense Minister Theo Francken on social media.
According to reports, police searched an apartment just a few hundred meters from De Wever's home in the city.
"During a search of a suspect's home, an improvised device - potentially explosive, but not yet functional - was found along with a bag containing metal pellets," Fransen said.
At the home of a second suspect, police discovered a 3D printer "believed to have been intended for the production of components useful in carrying out an attack," she added.
The suspects were born in 2001, 2002 and 2007.
Two of them were being questioned by federal police and were due to appear before an investigating judge on Friday. The third suspect was released.