THE HAGUE, April 3 (Xinhua) -- The Dutch deployment of people and resources against jihadists has been intensified, according to the Dutch National Coordinator for Security and Counterterrorism (NCTV) on Thursday.
In response to questions asked by Dutch newspaper Algemeen Dagblad, the NCTV said some 5,000 Dutch professionals such as teachers and officers were trained in recognizing radicalization.
The parties that combat terrorism have intensified their efforts after the threat level was raised to substantial in March 2013 last year. For instance, the General Intelligence and Security Service (AIVD) focused on outgoing and returning jihadists.
The police were legally allowed to not only monitor suspects, but also to disrupt their plans. In addition, the military police intensified detection at the borders.
Furthermore, the prosecution has established a national legal framework stating what legal possibilities for criminal prosecution are available. On October 23, 2013, the first legal convictions took place for people with jihadists plans.
In the Netherlands, an estimated 700 people have jihadist plans or have already left for jihad. Despite the small number, they are a threat to the national security of the Netherlands because of their glorification, justification and pursuance of terrorist violence is a threat, said the NCTV note.
In the past, individuals in Dutch jihadist circles have tried to join jihadist groups in Chechnya, Afghanistan, Iraq and Somalia, but only a few were so far successful.
Dutch jihadism is not new, but the rising number of successful tours is new, currently mainly to Syria. Over 100 have already made the journey.
According to the note, "Dutch boys go away as relative amateurs, but can come back as professionals."
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