Blasts in the Night: Netherlands Grapples with Surge in Bombings

Every night in the Netherlands, residents are often shocked out of slumber by deafening explosions. As one might expect, the Netherlands, renowned for its serene landscapes filled with tulips and cycles, is not typically associated with such violent events. However, the average evening in the Netherlands now witnesses the detonation of about three bombs, shattering tranquillity. The fear and unease caused by these explosions, often set off by illicit fireworks as strong as grenades, have started to unsettle the normally pragmatic Dutch population.

Arend Zwarthof, who resides opposite a building in Duivendrecht, a suburban area of Amsterdam, had his first experience of such an upheaval last month. In the more than half-century he has lived there, nothing had compared to the noise of the blast. The explosion caused harm to a dozen apartments and broke a number of windows, although, fortunately, no injuries were reported.

The concern is not limited to isolated communities or areas. There were almost 700 bombings reported across the Netherlands in the first half of this year alone. These incidents not only instill terror but also cause severe harm to homes, livelihoods, and sometimes even result in unfortunate deaths or injuries.

In the past, these explosions were often associated with organized crime syndicates or drug dealers that used hand grenades to assert authority or resolve disputes. However, law enforcement agencies report a worrying trend that indicates an increase in such tactics amongst everyday individuals. Ordinary people have begun employing black-market fireworks in personal feuds or business rivalries. This chilling development is a stark departure from the norm.

Jonathan Lindenkamp, a temporary security officer appointed at the Duivendrecht building after a major explosion on July 12, pondered over the troubling transition, stating that the bombings had become commonplace despite their destructive potential. The authorities are seemingly no closer to apprehending suspects or deducing motives surrounding these later incidents, adding to the unease.

The availability of high-strength, illegal fireworks contributes to the problem, coupled with the relatively relaxed regulations around firework use and possession in the Netherlands. These elements are coming together to create a perfect storm that’s giving the New Year’s Eve fireworks display, with its millions of euros in cost, a bitter aftertaste.

In a heartbreaking example, last December saw a significant explosion that caused a deadly fire in The Hague, leading to the partial collapse of a three-story residential building. The criminal court city witnessed the tragic death of six people that day. Authorities made four arrests, including the prime suspect believed to have masterminded the bombing aiming at his ex-girlfriend’s bridal shop.

The same month, another shocking incident unfolded in the eastern town of Vroomshoop. A conflict between a dog breeder and a buyer resulted in an explosion and subsequent fire, taking the lives of two people and three dogs. These incidents underline the misconception that bombings are exclusively linked to organized crime circles.

The escalating crisis has seen a surge in injuries and disturbance. While some injuries are minor, others are severe, with a handful of victims experiencing life-altering damage such as limb loss. Despite best efforts, Dutch authorities are finding it challenging to identify and apprehend the people behind these attacks.

According to police records, the explosions, initially linked mostly with organized crime, spiked from over 340 reported in 2022 to over 1,244 in 2024, with the current year likely to surpass even that high number. Most distressing is the rising involvement of ordinary citizens. The situation has quickly, and alarmingly, grown into a national crisis.

The issue, dubbed a ‘multi-headed monster’ by Carola Schouten, the Rotterdam Mayor and the National Task Force chair, is challenging due to its multi-faceted aspects. Similar incidents occurring in other European countries like Sweden, where gang wars are rampant, or Germany, where political rivalries escalate. However, what sets apart the Netherlands is the high frequency of such explosions used as terror tactics.

The sophistication of the plans is also disturbing. Illegal fireworks are easily procured via the messaging app Telegram, where the bombers – often young males in their teens to early 20s – are contracted for a few hundred euros. Unsurprisingly, these explosions are most prevalent in major cities like Amsterdam and Rotterdam, but recent years have seen their spread to all provinces.

These incidents have had a profound, lasting impact on communities. Steven de Vries, the vice mayor of Baarn (a small town close to Amsterdam which witnessed nine explosions in seven months), confirmed the palpable fear within society. While the police have made some arrests, most are those who physically placed the bombs, not the individuals orchestrating the eruptions from behind a screen, likely enjoying their cocktails under the sun.