On November 8 & 9 a major terrorist attack drill will take place in the capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam.
Whilst there is no concrete evidence that a terrorist attack will take place in Amsterdam at this moment in time, the municipality and emergency services have been preparing themselves as the national threat level has been at substantial since March 2013.
Because the national threat level in Amsterdam is substantial, extra measures have been taken the last few years to ensure that the city is prepared and more resistant to terror attacks. These measures include, amongst others, extra surveillance, posting Counterterrorism Units in Amsterdam and sharpening the anti-radicalisation strategy.
The drill will take place in a few locations in the south and east of the city, and the municipality, along with the Dutch police, Public Prosecutor’s Office, fire brigade, medical assistance services for accidents and disasters (GHOR), Dutch Counterterrorism Unit (DSI) and Ministry of Defence will be involved.
Actors and practice ammunition will be used during the drills, and will be visible and audible to those in the area. Restaurant Haddock on Zeeburgereiland and the yet to be utilised Europaplein metro station will be the targets of the practice terror attacks. Citizens and businesses situated in the surrounding areas have been informed about the drill by the municipality.