Terror Threat. Threat Level 4. Substantial threat. Concrete evidence of attack. These terms have since the attacks in Paris to throw our ears. What does it mean, really, that threat level? And it is good that citizens be warned? We asked a few experts.
1. At what level of threat we are now?
There are four threat levels (minimal, limited, substantial, critical). We've since March 2013 at the second highest level it means that the risk of an attack is real in the Netherlands, reports the National Coordinator for Counterterrorism (NCTb). "The image of a complex and real threat applies to the entire West. In Europe, takes into account both the possibility of complex and large-scale attacks and more small and simple attacks."
Since 2005, the system exists. The reason for this were the attacks on September 11, 2001 in the US and the attack on the subway in Madrid in March 2004. Since then it has several times changed Never have we had the highest threat level.
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Threat Levels in the Netherlands since the founding of the NCTb:
- May 2005 - Substantially
- March 2007 - Limited
- March 2008 - Substantially
- November 2009 - Limited
- March 2013 to present - Substantially
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The NCTb operates four times a year Counterterrorism Threat Assessment Netherlands (DTN) to, inter alia on the basis of intelligence information and experts. The NCTb makes the decision about adjusting the level of threat. It is also possible if recent events give rise to it.
2. When would go to Netherlands threat level 4?
"If there are concrete indications that an attack is imminent or if there was an attack. It may also be that there is a serious threat comes from abroad which the Netherlands is called," said terrorism expert Jelle van Buuren.
Or is it something differently than in Belgium, where they scale up rapidly to threat level 4. "We are very careful with the highest threat level because the damage you cause and the turmoil that you caused big. We do that only when all concrete evidence, "said General Frank van Kappen-out service.
The NCTb describes threat level 4 as follows: "There are very strong indications that an attack in the Netherlands will take place in the Netherlands has been an attack and subsequent attacks are very likely Netherlands is often called in to take very seriously statements by terrorist networks, and specific goals are.. thereby seriously threatened. "
Whether the threat level in the Netherlands will soon go up, of course, is the question. "Now it happens nearby, so it is certainly not inconceivable. If you just look at the map: it's just across the border, "says Van Kappen.
3. Why terrorists are after us?
We are active in Mali and throw bombs at IS. "You're doing something there and the answer will come here. Asymmetric warfare, we call it," says Van Kappen.
According to Van Buuren we have in the Netherlands (potential) terrorists better map than in Belgium. The scale on which they operate here is less than in Belgium. "We have no Molenbeek. But it's a terrible job to get them on board. There is never a totally comprehensive approach."
4. On what the threat might be addressed?
Van Buuren: "Overall, the threat here focused on subways, train stations or airports Transport strike disrupts You have certain critical infrastructure, which will be secured tightened the free movement of citizens is curtailed at some points...."
Depending on the type of threat action. If the threat is aimed at Schiphol, then there will be more security. The government may also partially scales to the highest level.
5. Is working with threat levels a good system?
Van Buuren: "It is bigger and more important to be than it is in practice you should very carefully deal with, because you creates chaos among the people, and here is always the question.. When you scale down again?"
Caps adds: "You want the highest threat level occur as long as possible because you're playing your opponents in the map."
RTL News/ © EPA
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