Netherlands terror threat level remains high after Manchester Bombing
The Netherlands terrorism threat level remains high at 4 out of 5 after a believed suicide bombing in Manchester on Monday, the National Coordinator for Counterterrorism and Security Dick Schoof said on his website. After speaking with the event sector, it was decided that all security measured will be reevaluated, Schoof said on Twitter.
While it is reasonabe to believe that attacks could happen at "soft targets" like concerts - the Manchester Arena attack happened just after the end of an Ariana Grande concert - all events in the Netherlands can continue as planned for the time being, Schoof said, according to NOS.
That includes the public viewing of the Europa League finals between Ajax and Manchester United on Amsterdam's Museumplein on Wednesday night. "At such events Amsterdam always looks at the security measures. The attack in Manchester will not affect what happens there [Wednesday]. Undoubtedly Amsterdam will go through the story again, but no completely new measures will be taken."
Schoof called on event attendees to remain vigilant. "Security guards, police officers, but also the visitors themselves must keep an eye on the behavior of people. If you see strange behavior, warn the security or the police. Rather have one too many warnings, than one too few."
The attack in Manchester on Monday night left 22 people dead and 59 others injured. Many of the victims are kids. On Tuesday night cities around the world projected the Union Jack flag onto famous buildings to show support for and solidarity with the victims.
