Terror cell planning major attack disrupted in The Netherlands
Dutch police claim to have thwarted a major terrorist attack after arresting seven men allegedly planning to target an event using AK 47 machine guns, grenades and a car bomb.
Following a six-month investigation into the individuals – aged between 21 and 34 – they were detained on Thursday (September 27) at four separate locations across The Netherlands.
Two were convicted in 2017 of attempting to travel to Iraq or Syria to join Islamic State soldiers.
The suspects were allegedly led by a 34-year-old man of Iraqi origin from Arnheim, eastern Netherlands.
Dutch police said the plan may have involved explosive jackets, Kalashnikovs and a car bomb. The investigation into the exact target location is still ongoing.
The police posted on Twitter that searches in response to the terrorism investigation have been completed and no further information would be released at this time.
The seven men will all appear in court on Friday (September 28) for a remand hearing.
Counter terrorism authorities said: “In the Netherlands, jihadist networks operate with the intention of planning attacks in Europe. These arrests must be seen in that light.”
