A suspected attack on a Jewish institution in Heemstede has been prevented after police discovered what are believed to be explosive materials, prompting the arrest of two teenagers aged 14 and 17.
Officers had already been carrying out heightened surveillance in the area around Adriaan Pauwlaan when, in the early hours of Friday at approximately 01:15, they observed two individuals behaving suspiciously. The pair, both from Amsterdam, were stopped, checked, and taken into custody for questioning as part of an ongoing investigation.
According to sources cited by De Telegraaf, several explosive-related items were found in the vicinity. Police confirmed that objects were discovered but said they are still investigating whether these materials are indeed explosive and whether there is any connection between the items and the arrested suspects.
Authorities are also examining whether the alleged materials were intended for use in an attack, with early indications suggesting that a nearby synagogue may have been the intended target. The Public Prosecution Service has stated that the suspects are believed to have taken preparatory steps to carry out an explosion or arson with terrorist intent. A judge has since extended their pre-trial detention while investigations continue.
Security around Jewish institutions across the Netherlands has been significantly increased following a series of recent attacks, including incidents in Rotterdam and Amsterdam. Some of these actions have been claimed online by a group calling itself Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiyyah, also referred to as Ashab al-Yamin.
In related investigations, several suspects remain in custody in connection with earlier incidents, including an attack on a synagogue in Rotterdam, while authorities continue to search for additional individuals in connection with other cases, such as an explosion near a Jewish school in Amsterdam and a separate incident involving a building in the Zuidas district.
Police say they are continuing their investigation into the Heemstede case and have not ruled out any links between the seized materials and the detained teenagers. Security measures at the site have been further reinforced, with increased police presence aimed at maintaining safety and preventing further incidents.
Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity as the investigation progresses.
