Police Injured in Dutch Blast

November 10, 2004
From correspondents in The Hague
News Limited

A HAND grenade explosion during a terrorism-related raid on a house in The Hague today wounded three police officers, while Dutch authorities closed the air space for small planes over the city during the operation.

Hague Chief Prosecutor Han Moraal said the raid was part of a "continuing investigation into terrorism," but would not confirm it was related to the November 2 killing of filmmaker Theo van Gogh by an alleged terrorist.

Suspects were still inside the building, Hague Police Chief Gerard Bouwman said at a news conference.

Several city blocks were cordoned off in a mostly immigrant neighbourhood near The Hague's Holland Spoor train station, and police demanded identification from anyone wishing to leave.

Authorities closed air space for small planes over the city as part of the operation.

The explosion occurred as police raided the house during an operation they said was conducted on behalf of national prosecutors. Gunshots were also heard during the raid.

Two police officers were hospitalised in serious but not life-threatening condition, and one was treated and released with minor injuries, police spokesman Frans van Rijnswou said.

The building was surrounded by police in riot gear, fire engines, ambulances and swat teams.

Photographers on the scene showed images of a man of Asian descent being dragged from the building clad only in boxer shorts and escorted away, but police would not confirm the apparent arrest. They did confirm there were still suspects in the building.

Van Gogh had received death threats after the release of his most recent film about the treatment of women under Islam.

Six suspects, believed to be members of a terrorist group, remain in custody, including the alleged killer, 26-year-old Mohammed Bouyeri, who holds dual Dutch and Moroccan nationality.

There have been more than a dozen arson attacks in the Netherlands against churches and mosques since van Gogh's killing in Amsterdam more than a week ago.

The Associated Press

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