Dutch Intelligence: Global Conflicts Fueling Terror Threats, Including Gaza and Ukraine
The Dutch national intelligence agency has warned of increasing threats against the Netherlands, linking them to global instability, such as the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine.
The number of terror attacks in Europe has decreased, but the General Intelligence and Security Service identified the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza and the desecration of a Qur'an outside parliament as "trigger events" for extremists.
The agency's director-general, Erik Akerboom, stated that the terrorist threat is serious and expressed concern about potential incidents during the Paris Olympics.
The Dutch counterterrorism agency raised the country's threat alert to its second-highest level due to concerns about the Daesh group's Khorasan affiliates.
A Central Asian terrorist group, IS-K, carried out a deadly attack at a Moscow concert hall in March, killing at least 133 people.
The Netherlands has been identified as a significant target for global jihadism, with incidents like the Quran desecration at the Dutch parliament building increasing the risk.
Last year, around a dozen terror attacks were prevented across Europe, and four suspects were arrested in the Netherlands.
However, none of these attacks specifically targeted the Netherlands.
The Dutch also face a major threat from China, particularly in the form of cyberattacks.
China is reportedly producing more hackers than the Dutch can defend against, making it a significant concern for the country's economic security.
Russia poses a risk to the Netherlands due to its invasion of Ukraine.
Peace protests in Amsterdam calling for the Dutch to stop sending arms to Ukraine have been infiltrated by demonstrators paid by Russian sources.
The Netherlands is of interest to Moscow because of international institutions based there, including the International Criminal Court in The Hague.
The court is investigating crimes in Ukraine and has issued arrest warrants for President Putin and other Russians.