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Terror threat level in the Netherlands remains substantial

Xinhua, January 16, 2015 Adjust font size:

The terrorist threat level in the Netherlands remains 'substantial,' Dick Schoof, Dutch National Coordinator for Security and Counterterrorism (NCTV), told national broadcaster NOS after a meeting with ministers and mayors in The Hague on Friday.

Schoof did not give any details on the content of the already previously scheduled regular meeting. Among others, the mayors of the four major Dutch cities, Jan van Zanen (Utrecht), Jozias van Aartsen (The Hague), Ahmed Aboutaleb (Rotterdam) and Eberhard van der Laan (Amsterdam) were present, as well as Ivo Opstelten, the Dutch minister of security and justice.

Opstelten called the anti-terror action in Belgium on Thursday a "proper action according to procedure," because "there was a threat of an attack." On whether the Netherlands should worry as well, he said: "Absolutely, absolutely."

In Belgium, the threat level was increased to 'critical,' but according to Opstelten the current threat level in the Netherlands remains substantial. "That still means that an attack can take place in the Netherlands," he added.

The four levels of terrorism threats in the Netherlands vary from 'minimal' to 'limited' to 'substantial' to 'critical.' Substantial means there is a real chance of a terrorist attack, but there are no direct indications for that.

Since March 2013 the Dutch level has been at 'substantial.' From November 2009 until March 2013 the threat level has been 'limited.' Enditem