Terror suspect with loaded Kalashnikov arrested in Rotterdam
The man, detained on suspicion of planning an attack, had an AK-47 and an image of an IS flag in his Rotterdam flat.
Friday 9 December 2016 18:27, UK
A terror suspect with a loaded Kalashnikov assault rifle has been arrested in the Dutch city of Rotterdam.
The man was detained at his home on suspicion of plotting an attack.
Detectives searched his apartment after receiving a tip-off from intelligence agency AIVD.
The suspect had a Kalashnikov with two full magazines and a large image of an Islamic State flag, prosecutors said.
Four boxes of highly explosive illegal fireworks were also found, along with mobile phones and €1,600 (£1,340) in cash.
The suspect, aged 30, was arrested on Wednesday. His identity has not been revealed.
"He is suspected of preparing a terrorist crime," prosecutors said in a statement.
Dutch law enforcement agencies have been on high alert since the November 2015 bombings in Paris, and the March suicide attacks on the Brussels metro and airport.
Earlier this week, Europol warned a third of the estimated 5,000 people who have travelled from the EU to become jihadists had now returned.
About 270 Dutch people have left to join the jihadists, and about 40 former fighters are known to have returned from combat in Syria and Iraq.