Netherlands Counterterrorism agency: “No reason to raise threat level”

DutchAmsterdam.nl — According to the National Coordinator for Counterterrorism there were and are no reasons to take nationwide precautions as a result of the terrorist attacked prevented in Amsterdam.

It is also not necessary to raise the threat level, an NCTb spokesperson said.

The threat level has been ‘substantial’ for many months now — which means that according to the NCTb there is a real chance that the Netherlands will face a terrorist attack. ‘Substantial’ is the second highest of the four possible levels (minimal, limited, substantial and critical).

The Netherlands and its overseas interests are viewed as one of the preferred targets by jihadist networks operating internationally.

The film Fitna has been regarded by jihadists as a form of insult and provocation, making it their most important reason for targeting the country.

It is expected that the Netherlands will remain in the jihadists’ field of vision for the time being. The jihadists’ specific attention is given to those people they consider to be responsible for the insults that have been directed at Islam.

These developments serve to keep the current level of threat in the Netherlands in the category of substantial, which means that there is a real possibility of an attack in the Netherlands or against Dutch interests.
– Source: Current threat level for the Netherlands, National Coordinator for Counterterroris. Last accessed, Mar. 12, 2009

The NCTb was alerted to the bomb threats — which were called in to Amsterdam police — early on Thursday morning. The agency has remained in touch with the Amsterdam police, the Justice Department and the City of Amsterdam throughout the day.