Teen arrested, accused of terrorism for Amsterdam Zuidas office explosion
A 17-year-old from Uithoorn has been arrested in connection with the explosion at an office building in the Amsterdam Zuidas. He is suspected of complicity in an explosion with a terrorist intent. Officers are still searching for a second suspect.
An explosion occurred shortly before 1 a.m. on the night of March 16 at an office building on Strawinskylaan in Amsterdam’s Zuidas business district, including the Atrium complex that houses international firms. The blast, which hit the entrance’s revolving door, sparked a fire that a security guard managed to put out swiftly. While no injuries were reported, the building sustained considerable damage.
Authorities say the two suspects approached on a fatbike, after which the passenger, thought to be the detained teenager, dismounted, set an explosive by the entrance, and triggered it. He then ran toward Amsterdam Zuid station, while the driver escaped on the bike. Both individuals were wearing black clothing.
Police have clearly labeled the incident as having a “terrorist intent.” An Islamic group calling itself Ashab al-Yamin claimed responsibility for the explosion via social media, including posts on platform X. The group stated in its communications that the intended target was Bank of New York Mellon, which operates from the Atrium complex.
The group added that it also targeted a synagogue in Liège, a Jewish school in Amsterdam, and a synagogue in Rotterdam. Authorities have not yet determined how structured the group is or what role, if any, the suspect played within it.
With the investigation still in progress, police have shared limited information. Officers are continuing to look for the second suspect, along with potential witnesses and relevant footage, while the precise involvement of the boy and any accomplices remains unclear.
While the search for the second fatbike rider continues, prosecutors said on March 23 that two boys, ages 14 and 17, had already been arrested in Heemstede on suspicion of planning a comparable terrorist attack.
