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Extra security measures in Netherlands after Brussels attacks

Xinhua, March 22, 2016 Adjust font size:

Following the attacks in Brussels Dutch authorities took additional security measures at the borders and at airports, but the threat level remains substantial, the Dutch National Coordinator for Security and Counterterrorism (NCTV) stated on Tuesday.

"The NCTV is monitoring the situation after the incident at the Zaventem Airport," the NCTV said in a statement. "For now there is no reason to change the threat level in the Netherlands."

"Out of precaution we have taken a number of additional measures in the Netherlands," the statement continued. "This means extra patrols by the military police at Schiphol Airport, Rotterdam Airport and Eindhoven Airport and extra border controls at our southern borders."

The Dutch cabinet will have an extra meeting at the Ministry of General Affairs to discuss the situation. "Belgium was again hit by cowardly and murderous attacks," Prime Minister Mark Rutte said in a first reaction. "Netherlands is ready to help our southern neighbors in any way."

The current "substantial" terrorist threat level in the Netherlands means there is a real chance of a terrorist attack, but there are no direct indications for that.

The four levels of terrorism threat vary from "minimal" to "limited" to "substantial" to "critical." From November 2009 until March 2013 the level was "limited." Since March 2013 the Dutch level is on "substantial." Endit