'Increased threat': Dutch army raises alert level

AFP , Wednesday 14 May 2025

The Dutch military on Wednesday raised its alertness level due to an "increased threat" and the possibility of sabotage near the country's borders.

Soldiers of the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade take part in a large-scale military drill at the Oudemo
Soldiers of the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade take part in a large-scale military drill at the Oudemolen military complex as part of Exercise Falcon Spring 2025, in Drenthe, northern Netherlands. AFP

 

The Netherlands has been at alert level "Alpha" since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, but Wednesday's increase took it to "Alpha Plus", meaning "increased threats" in Europe.

Alpha Plus is level two on a six-level rating system that goes up to level D meaning "a targeted attack is imminent or has taken place."

The raised threat level means military personnel should step up surveillance of suspicious people and vehicles, as well as drones, said the defence ministry.

The threat analysis from the MIVD spy agency is that "other countries are increasingly prepared to engage in sabotage activities, also near the Dutch border," the ministry said.

"The increase is also related to increased threats in Europe. There is currently no concrete threat against a military site," the statement added.

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