3 teens in custody in terrorism investigation; Eindhoven suspect known ISIS supporter

The police arrested three teenage boys, aged 16 to 19, during overnight raids in Rotterdam, Eindhoven, and Alkmaar as part of an ongoing terrorism investigation, the Public Prosecution Service (OM) confirmed to multiple media. The suspect arrested in Eindhoven was also in custody a few years ago for his support for the terrorist organization ISIS, Eindhovens Dagblad reported.

Heavily armed police officers raided three homes in Rotterdam, Eindhoven, and Alkmaar during the early hours of Wednesday morning. In at least Eindhoven and Rotterdam, they came out with suspects handcuffed and blindfolded. In Eindhoven, the police used an explosive to get inside the home.

According to Eindhovens Dagblad, the 19-year-old arrested in Eindhoven today was also arrested in 2023 for allegedly planning ISIS terrorist attacks targeting Belgian nightclubs and police stations. The then-16-year-old boy was arrested along with a 19-year-old man from Deventer and a Belgian teen. On Telegram, they chatted about various scenarios for attacks, beheadings, and purchasing weapons and explosives.

In early 2024, the Rotterdam court sentenced the Dutch boy to 112 days in prison, community service, and an ankle monitor. He wasn’t allowed to leave the Netherlands for some time and was placed under the supervision of the probation service.

The police and OM have made no official announcements about the overnight arrests on their channels. The three suspects are expected to be arraigned on Friday. More information will likely become available then.