Dutch police arrest ‘terror’ suspect after arms cache uncovered

Police acting on a tip-off from the Dutch intelligence agency arrested a 30-year-old “terrorist” suspect and seized an arsenal of weapons in the port city of Rotterdam on Friday afternoon, said prosecutors.

Detectives found a Kalashnikov AK-47 rifle, four boxes of illegal highly explosive fireworks, a large depiction of the Islamic State flag, several mobile phones and €1,600 in cash when they searched the suspect’s apartment.

“He is suspected of preparing a terrorist crime,” said prosecutors. Judges ordered the suspect remanded in custody.

The Netherlands’ terrorism threat level has been at one below the highest level since March 2013, meaning that officials believe there is a realistic chance of an attack.

Ongoing investigation

As in many European countries, intelligence officials have repeatedly warned of the threat posed by Dutch citizens who have returned from fighting alongside the Islamic State militant group in Iraq and Syria.

The investigation was “still in full progress”, said national prosecution spokesman Wim de Bruin. “At this moment we have only one suspect,” he said, adding that he could not rule out further arrests.

After attacks by Islamists in France, Belgium and Germany, the Netherlands is considered a potential target because it supports US-led military operations against the Islamic State in Syria and Iraq.

Rotterdam is Europe’s largest port and home to a diverse and transient populations as well as to one of the Netherlands’ largest Muslim communities.

– (Reuters)