Terror cells on Dutch soil

Radio Netherlands ^ | June 11 2004 | Carin Tiggeloven

[knighthawk]

According to transcripts of tapped telephone conversations by a key suspect in the Madrid bombings, the Netherlands is a potential target for al-Qaeda. The 33-year-old alleged terrorist was arrested in Italy on Tuesday. In the partially published transcripts, he reportedly names two terrorist cells that are preparing a strike in the Netherlands. One of those cells, he says later, fell apart.

A potential terrorist attack on Dutch soil – it's a threat which both the Hague government and domestic intelligence have been taking seriously for quite some time. In this year's annual report, the Dutch Intelligence and Security Service (AIVD) said it is closely watching the movements of some 150 potential terrorist suspects day and night.

The threat of a spectacular attack has come closer, especially in the wake of the March 11 bombings in Madrid. Like Spain at the time, the Netherlands has a military presence in Iraq. Moreover, The Hague looks set to extend the mission today.

Confirmation Terrorism expert Edwin Bakker of the Dutch Clingendael Institute of International Relations says the published transcripts confirm the threat.

"This is the first time we get the information from the group itself, that obviously plans are being forged."

The telephone calls were made just a few weeks ago. The arrested suspect, Ahmed Rabei Osman S, nicknamed "the Egyptian", tells a friend about a group ready to strike in the Netherlands.

"Later, for various reasons, the web disintegrated. At the moment, there is just one person ready to strike. He is nervous, having just been released from prison - but everything in good time."

Soft targets No mention was made of any specific target, but Mr Bakker says the Dutch government is particularly worried about so-called "soft targets" which are not under permanent surveillance or control.

"And in this country there are plenty of such places where many people congregate, ranging from traffic jams to rock concerts."

It's therefore imperative that organisers of major events contemplate proper security measures, Mr Bakker adds.

The terrorism expert is not surprised that one of the active cells in the Netherlands has fallen apart. The groups are loosely structured and often change composition for the simple reason that members keep moving around.

"The best scenario would be if cells were breaking up because they fear that the intelligence services are hot on their heels and that they may be arrested soon."

Winning the war If true, this would be extremely good news, says Mr Bakker, as it would suggests that the intelligence services are indeed proving successful in the fight against terrorism.

"In the immediate wake of 11 September, the fear was that Osama bin Laden's terrorist network was too elusive for the authorities to get a grip on. I think that now, almost three years on and having had the attacks in Madrid, we can safely say that Western intelligence services have been able to mop up at least some of these cells. Which is extremely good news, indeed."

[knighthawk]

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