Belgium's federal prosecutor investigates 17 drone incursions

By Melike Pala

BRUSSELS (AA) - The Belgian Federal Prosecutor's Office has opened eight cases related to 17 incidents involving drones, dailies De Standaard and De Tijd reported Monday.

The investigations focus on recent unauthorized drone flights over strategic infrastructure, including airports, military bases and nuclear power plants.

The federal prosecutor's office believes the situation is still evolving and that definitive guidelines have yet to be established, spokesperson Yasmina Vanoverschelde told De Standaard.

"It is still very difficult to determine whether these are local drone operators violating regulations or attempts at destabilization by a state actor," she added.

A newly formed multidisciplinary taskforce including representatives from the prosecutor's office, police and intelligence services has started meetings to develop a standard operating procedure for unauthorized drone incursions.

The latest incidents follow two disruptions last week. Flights to and from Liege Airport were temporarily halted Tuesday and Thursday evening after drones were observed, while similar incidents also occurred at Brussels Airport.

Recent months have seen a series of drone incursions in several European countries, sometimes near airports or military facilities, including over a Belgian military base.

Some European officials have blamed the incidents on Russia, linking them to a hybrid war and the continuing Ukraine conflict. Moscow, however, has firmly denied any involvement.