Suspected terror cell dismantled in Belgium thought to be planning attack on PM Bart De Wever

A suspected terrorist cell was dismantled by Belgium's federal prosecutor's office on Thursday, believed to have been planning an attack on Prime Minister Bart De Wever.

Local media reported that during a search in Deurne, a district in the municipality of Antwerp, investigators discovered a homemade explosive which the suspects were reportedly planning to attach to a drone to carry out the attack.

"Three young adults (born in 2001, 2002 and 2007, all residing in Antwerp) were deprived of their liberty. This judicial intervention is part of an investigation into, among other things, attempted terrorist murder and participation in the activities of a terrorist group," the public prosecutor’s office said in a statement.

An investigation has been opened for attempted terrorist assassination and participation in the activities of a terrorist group, but prosecutors did not specify the group.

Authorities also seized a 3D printer and electronic components during the search.

"This case shows that the Prosecutor's Office and the police and intelligence services must remain vigilant at all times to the risk of terrorist attacks," the prosecutor's office said.

Flemish nationalist Bart De Wever was sworn in as Belgium’s prime minister in February following months of painstaking negotiations to form a coalition that moves the country further to the right.

The agreement made De Wever the first nationalist from the Dutch-speaking Flanders region to lead the country.