By Melike Pala
BRUSSELS (AA) - Authorities arrested two men in connection with an alleged plot to carry out terror attacks targeting politicians in Belgium and the Netherlands, media reports said Friday.
The suspects, aged 18 and 23, were detained in Antwerp after authorities foiled a plan to build an explosive-laden drone intended for use in attacks, including one against Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever, according to the Flemish newspaper, Het Nieuwsblad.
Investigators reportedly found explosive materials at the home of the 18-year-old suspect, who was enrolled in a defense and security training program.
The second suspect, 23, is said to be from Borsbeek, near Antwerp, and was studying cybersecurity while providing IT support for a company based in the port area. A 3-D printer was reportedly discovered during a search of his home.
The link between the two suspects remains unclear, though reports suggest they knew each other personally rather than through online extremist groups.
Both men were brought before an investigating judge and placed under arrest late Friday, said reports.
Far-right Party for Freedom (PVV) leader Geert Wilders confirmed via the US social media platform, X, that he too was a target.
"This is not the first time in 21 years of threats and security measures that this has happened to me, but every time it shocks me enormously," he wrote, adding that he is suspending campaign activities for the time being.
On Thursday, prosecutors said three suspects, born in 2001, 2002 and 2007, residing in the northern city of Antwerp, were arrested as part of an investigation into "attempted terrorist murder and participation in the activities of a terrorist group."
The Het Gazet van Antwerpen newspaper reported that De Wever was among the politicians allegedly targeted by the suspects.