Netherlands: Police cancel concert in Rotterdam due to terror threat August 23

Event

A concert by a US rock band was canceled in Rotterdam on Wednesday, August 23, after officials received reports of a possible terror attack targeting the venue. The US State Department issued an alert, warning citizens to avoid the Maassilo Hall due to the ongoing security operation outside the venue. Police have reportedly closed off the area and are investigating a van filled with gas canisters located near the building. City officials said that the driver of the van, which is a Spanish-registered vehicle, has been detained and is being questioned by the authorities. According to the mayor of Rotterdam, the vehicle was searched after Spanish police sent a tip to Dutch security forces. Avoid the area.

Context

The band, named Allah-Las, said that it regularly received messages from Muslims who are offended by the group’s name. However, the band members maintain that their name is not intended to cause any offense.

Europe remains on high alert against the threat of terrorism following a series of high profile attacks across the continent in recent years. On August 17-18, two terrorist attacks were carried out in Catalonia, Spain killing 15 people and wounding over a hundred. A van plowed through crowds in the Las Ramblas area of Barcelona. Around eight hours later, a car drove into pedestrians in the coastal resort town of Cambrils. IS claimed responsibility for the attacks.

Advice

Individuals in Rotterdam are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid the area of the operation, and report any suspicious behavior or objects to the relevant authorities.