Two teenagers arrested in Heemstede over suspected terror plot targeting synagogue

Two teenagers, aged 14 and 17, were arrested in Heemstede early Friday on suspicion of preparing a terrorist attack, authorities said Monday. Police and the Public Prosecution Service (OM) believe a nearby synagogue may have been the intended target of an explosion or arson. Minister Van Weel said the suspects were likely recruited for the planned synagogue attack.

According to RTL, the boys, both from Amsterdam, were stopped around 1:15 a.m. on Adriaan Pauwlaan. During the check, police found heavy fireworks in the area surrounding the Jewish institution, which was already under increased surveillance.

The OM said the suspects are accused of “taking preparatory actions to cause an explosion or set a fire in an association, with a terrorist intent.” The two were presented to a judge Monday, who extended their pretrial detention by two weeks.

A synagogue in Rotterdam and a Jewish school in Amsterdam were previously attacked, and an American bank on the Zuidas in Amsterdam was also targeted. In response, the municipality of Amsterdam announced additional security measures for Jewish primary and secondary schools.