A criminal network is behind the firework attacks in Amsterdam on New Year's Eve.
Dutch police said that a criminal network was behind the violent fireworks attacks targeting police officers during New Year's Eve riots in Amsterdam, turning the celebrations into chaos and raising serious concerns about organized violence against emergency services.
National Police Chief Jani Knol revealed during her appearance on the television program Pauw de Wit that what happened in the Floradorp neighborhood (Flower Village) was not spontaneous. She explained that the attacks showed clear signs of premeditation and coordination.
On New Year's Eve, the police intervened several times on Dotterbloemstraat (Dahlia Street) after groups started fires. The riot police, known in Dutch as Mobiele Eenheid (Mobile Unit), had to disperse the crowds to allow firefighters to extinguish the flames safely.
During the confrontations, the officers were subjected to a barrage of heavy fireworks. Authorities reported that the attackers used what is known as 'vuurwerkmitrailleurs' (firework machine guns), which are tools that require prior preparation and organized purchasing. The Dutch broadcasting agency NOS reported that these means were deliberately acquired before the events.
The disturbances came after rising tensions in the neighborhood following Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema's decision to ban the annual traditional bonfire in Floradorp due to safety concerns. The police believe that this decision contributed to the increased anger within the neighborhood.
So far, no arrests directly related to the events in Floradorp have been recorded, but the investigation is still ongoing. Jani Knol stated that the police are not only looking for the perpetrators of the attacks but are also seeking to uncover all those involved in organizing them behind the scenes.
The violence against emergency teams was not limited to Amsterdam only; the police and ambulance services in various parts of the Netherlands faced similar attacks, as happened in previous years.
So far, about 250 people have been arrested nationwide on charges related to violence or vandalism during New Year's Eve. The police expect to carry out more arrests in the coming period, especially with the widespread circulation of numerous videos documenting assaults on officers online.