There is no reason listed for air space being shut down, but it sure is interesting to watch the Dutch respond to terrorism. I wonder if the USA will ever develop a hair trigger response such as this.
Nov 10, 2004
Three Police Officers Injured by Hand Grenade in Terrorism-Related Raid; Air Space Closed Over City
The Associated Press
"THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) - Suspects holed up in a house under police assault Wednesday threw a hand grenade, injuring three officers conducting the terrorism-related raid.
Hague public prosecutor Han Moraal said the raid was part of a "continuing investigation into terrorism," but would not confirm it was related to the Nov. 2 killing of filmmaker Theo van Gogh by an alleged terrorist.
Suspects were still inside the building, Hague Police Chief Gerard Bouwman said at a press conference. Authorities also closed air space to small planes over the city.
Several city blocks were cordoned off in the mostly immigrant neighborhood near The Hague's Holland Spoor train station, and police demanded identification from anyone trying to leave the area.
The explosion occurred as police raided the house during an operation they said was conducted on behalf of national prosecutors. Gunshots were heard.
Two police officers were hospitalized in serious, but not life-threatening condition, and one was treated and released with minor injuries, police spokesman Frans van Rijnswou said.
The building was surrounded by police in riot gear, fire engines, ambulances and swat teams.
Photographers on the scene showed images of a man of Asian descent being dragged from the building clad only in boxer shorts and escorted away. Police would not confirm an arrest.
Van Gogh had received death threats after the release of his most recent film that was critical of the treatment of women under Islam.
Six suspects, believed to be members of a terrorist group, remain in custody, including the alleged killer, 26-year-old Mohammed Bouyeri, who holds dual Dutch and Moroccan nationality.
There have been more than a dozen arson attacks in the Netherlands against churches and mosques since Van Gogh's killing in Amsterdam more than a week ago."
AP-ES-11-10-04 0413EST
Odd how the media will use the word "terrorism" when an artist is killed but not when a school full of children is taken over and hundreds of children are killed.