Netherlands: Increased security measures nationwide following incidents in Utrecht March 18 /update 2

Event

Three people were killed and at least nine others were wounded in a shooting on board a tram at 24 Oktoberplein station in Utrecht at approximately 10:45 (local time) on Monday, March 18. Authorities have indicated that the assailant may have a terror-related motive, and anti-terror police are being deployed in the area. The shooter is still at large and the area has been cordoned off. All trams have reportedly been canceled and mosques throughout the city have been closed due to security concerns. The city of Utrecht has been put on lockdown and authorities have raised the threat level to five, the maximum, in Utrecht province.

Increased security measures have been implemented at airports across the country, notably at Amsterdam Schiphol, as well as around sensitive buildings, to include government offices. Officials also deployed additional police personnel on highways and have increased surveillance at border crossings along the German and Belgian borders. A heavy security presence and associated traffic disruptions are to be expected in Utrecht province over the coming hours and days.

Advice

Individuals in the Netherlands are advised to monitor the situation, report suspicious activity and/or behavior to police, prepare for longer wait times at border crossings, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.