Ministerie van Justitie

Addressing the risk of terrorist attacks with non-conventional weapons

The possibility exists that terrorist attacks could be committed with non-conventional weapons – also known as CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear) weapons. This is the view not only of our own intelligence services, but of their counterparts throughout the world.

Experts say that a non-conventional terrorist attack is a very difficult operation, considering the knowledge and materials required. Given the appeal to terrorists of non-conventional weapons, we obviously need to focus urgently on preventing non-conventional terrorist attacks and equipping the emergency services appropriately.

The Netherlands’ position as a hub of transport and knowledge makes it a natural source of expertise and materials that could be used to commit such attacks. We therefore need to protect against unauthorised use. This means increasing prevention and security at research institutes, universities and chemical companies and on transports of non-conventional weapons. We will also aim to optimise the vigilance of border controls vis-à-vis non-conventional weapons.

Increasing security alone, however, will not eliminate the threat of a non-conventional terrorist attack. We also need to focus permanently on improving our intelligence gathering in order to assess the current real threat. In addition, we need a well-prepared response service to organise emergency assistance in the aftermath of such an attack.

We are focusing specifically on communication to the public, the acquisition of extra resources for the emergency services and the emergence response training.

More information

• CBRN terrorism progress report 24-03-2006 | pdf-document, 88 KB
• Frequently asked questions about CBRN terrorism