Counterterrorism agency warns of growing Iran-related, online extremist terror threats
The likelihood of an attack related to the Iran war has increased, the National Coordinator for Security and Counterterrorism (NCTV) said in its latest semi-annual threat assessment. The agency warns that the threat may stem from Iranian security services, as well as from groups, organisations, or individuals associated with or sympathetic to Iran.
The report says the main focus of potential attacks would be “Israeli, Jewish, and American targets.” The NCTV warns that this Iran-related threat may continue even after the conflict has ended.
The NCTV says the overall risk of a terrorist attack in the Netherlands remains “substantial,” unchanged from six months ago and still at the fourth level on a five-point scale. The agency notes that jihadist-related threats remain the main driver of this risk, but says the number of attacks has been limited thanks to “effective and timely intervention” by police and intelligence services.
The counterterrorism agency also warns of an emerging threat from what it calls “nihilistic violent extremism.” This involves individuals in a highly violent online subculture without a coherent ideology.
According to the researchers, status and recognition are often gained through the commission and display of violence, with more extreme acts bringing greater attention. Those involved are described as sharing a hostile, destructive worldview that can motivate acts of violence.
Right-wing extremists also pose a threat, although it remains limited and stable. “Right-wing extremists mainly focus on non-violent extremism and on spreading and normalising their ideas, which could in the long term still lead to violence,” the researchers explain. It concerns a group of a few hundred individuals, who are mainly active online and are also involved in asylum protests.
