1,356 explosion attacks

The number of explosion attacks in the Netherlands remains exceptionally high this year, with police reporting 1,356 incidents so far, nearly matching the total for all of 2024, when 1,543 attacks were recorded. Authorities say the figures point to a sustained national trend rather than a decline. According to police data, more than 500 of this year’s explosions involved not only heavy fireworks but also gasoline. In these cases, perpetrators typically attach one or two powerful fireworks, often known as cobras, to a bottle of gasoline, causing a large fireball and extensive damage. Police say the attacks are often intended to intimidate or take revenge and pose serious risks to residents.  Of the 1,356 attacks recorded this year, 516 involved gasoline and a total of 926 homes and 227 businesses were damaged, 323 suspects have been arrested.