Netherlands raises terrorism threat level to 'substantial'

Netherlands raises terrorism threat level to 'substantial'

The likelihood of a terrorist attack in the Netherlands has increased in recent months, its anti-terrorism agency said on Tuesday as it raised its threat level for the first time since 2019.

The National Coordinator for Counter-terrorism and Security (NCTV), said in a statement it has raised the country's threat level to 4, or "substantial" on its 5-step scale, citing the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

"Organisations like ISIS and Al Qaeda are using the war in Gaza to urge sympathisers to carry out attacks in the West," the agency said.

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"Attacks and arrests in France, Germany, Belgium and the United Kingdom since early October illustrate the risks posed by radicalised individuals who are inspired by current events and terrorist organisations."

If the agency had information about a specific attack being planned in the Netherlands it would raise the threat level to five, or "critical".