The Netherlands: More self-made explosives used in attacks on houses

Criminals are shifting from hand grenades to improvised explosives when attacking houses and vehicles in the Netherlands, according to the Ministry of Defense’s Explosive Ordinance Disposal Service (EOD). The number of incidents involving self-made bombs using, for example, fireworks is on the rise, while incidents with hand grenades are plummeting, EOD Major Peter said to NOS.

Last year, the EOD responded to 11 incidents of self-made explosives attached to homes or cars. This year, the counter is already at 17. On the other hand, incidents involving hand grenades dropped from 14 last year to only four so far this year.