DON’T MISS
IamExpat FairIamExpat Job BoardIamExpat Webinars
Newsletters
EXPAT INFO
CAREER
HOUSING
EDUCATION
LIFESTYLE
EXPAT SERVICES
NEWS & ARTICLES
Home
Expat Info
Dutch news & articles
Dutch police foil major terrorist attack
Never miss a thing!Sign up for our weekly newsletters with important news stories, expat events and special offers.
Keep me updated with exclusive offers from partner companies
By signing up, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with our privacy policy

Dutch police foil major terrorist attack

Never miss a thing!Sign up for our weekly newsletters with important news stories, expat events and special offers.
Keep me updated with exclusive offers from partner companies
By signing up, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with our privacy policy
or
follow us for regular updates:



Related Stories

[Video] How a Dutch gangster was betrayed by his sister[Video] How a Dutch gangster was betrayed by his sister
Nitrous oxide- not just your innocent whipped cream making gasNitrous oxide- not just your innocent whipped cream making gas
[Update] Coronavirus? Take paracetamol not ibuprofen[Update] Coronavirus? Take paracetamol not ibuprofen
Mail bombs explode in Amsterdam and KerkradeMail bombs explode in Amsterdam and Kerkrade
Mail bomb found at Rotterdam postal sorting centreMail bomb found at Rotterdam postal sorting centre
Mail bombs discovered in major Dutch citiesMail bombs discovered in major Dutch cities
Police and enforcement officers ask Dutch government for a fireworks banPolice and enforcement officers ask Dutch government for a fireworks ban
Netherlands reduces terrorist threat level for the first time in six yearsNetherlands reduces terrorist threat level for the first time in six years
For expats of all colours, shapes and sizes

Explore
Expat infoCareerHousingEducationLifestyleExpat servicesNews & articles
About us
IamExpat MediaAdvertisePost a jobContact usSitemap
More IamExpat
IamExpat Job BoardIamExpat HousingIamExpat FairsWebinarsNewsletters
Privacy
Terms of usePrivacy policyCookiesAvoiding scams

Never miss a thing!Sign up for expat events, news & offers, delivered once a week.
Keep me updated with exclusive offers from partner companies
By signing up, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with our privacy policy


© 2025 IamExpat Media B.V.
© 2025 IamExpat Media B.V.
Sep 28, 2018
Mina Solanki
Completed her Master's degree at the University of Groningen and worked as a translator before joining IamExpat. She loves to read and has a particular interest in Greek mythology. In addition to this, she is an avid rower.Read more

On Thursday, September 27, Dutch police arrested seven men suspected of planning and preparing for a major terrorist attack in the Netherlands. The suspects are from Arnhem, Rotterdam, Huissen and Vlaardingen. 

Terrorist suspects arrested in the Netherlands

The suspects who were arrested on Thursday, September 27, in Arnhem and Weert are suspected of being at an advanced stage of planning a terrorist attack. All suspects are men and their ages range from 21 to 34.

Three of the suspects were previously arrested for trying to travel abroad and join foreign militants. One of the men arrested, Hardi N., an Iraqi national, is said to be the leader of the group. Hardi N. was convicted on suspicion of trying to travel to Syria to fight for the Islamic State group (IS) in 2017.

What were the terrorists planning?

The Dutch Public Prosecutor (OM) began investigating Hardi N. in April 2018 after receiving information from the General Intelligence and Security Service of the Netherlands (AIVD). According to the AIVD, Hardi N. wanted to enact an attack at a large event, thereby creating as many victims as possible.

Hardi N. and six other men were arrested by anti-terrorism teams from the Dutch Special Interventions Service (DSI). At the time of arrest, they were in possession of five small handguns.

The men were trying to source AK47s, bomb materials, hand grenades and small firearms for their attack at a large event. They also wanted to set off a car bomb elsewhere. The exact event and target for their attack are not yet known.

Terrorism threat level in the Netherlands

Despite the arrests, the terrorism threat level in the Netherlands remains at “substantial”, namely four out of five. A “substantial” level means that the chance of a terrorist attack is real. The risk level will not be increased.

By Mina Solanki