Dutch far-right politician Geert Wilders announced on Friday that he is temporarily halting his campaign for the upcoming national elections following reports of a suspected terror plot targeting politicians in Belgium. The plot allegedly involved the use of a drone equipped with explosives. Three men were arrested in Antwerp on Thursday after police raids uncovered a homemade bomb, steel balls, and a 3D printer believed to be used for constructing drone parts. Prosecutors described the investigation as focused on “attempted terrorist murder and participation in the activities of a terrorist group.” While specific targets were not officially named, Belgian government ministers indicated that Prime Minister Bart De Wever and Antwerp Mayor Els van Doesburg were among those on the hit list. Wilders, a vocal critic of Islam, confirmed via social media that he was also a potential target. He stated that Dutch counterterrorism authorities did not perceive an immediate threat but expressed personal unease, prompting his decision to suspend campaign activities. Dutch Justice Minister Foort van Oosten assured that measures were being taken to ensure Wilders’ safety and ability to resume campaigning. Wilders’ Party for Freedom is currently leading in polls ahead of the October 29 election, which was triggered by his withdrawal from the ruling coalition over migration policy disputes. Belgian prosecutors linked the plot to a “jihadi-inspired terrorist attack,” though details remain scarce. One suspect has been released, while the other two await formal charges.
Dutch far-right politician Wilders fears he may have been a target of Belgian attack plotters
