Train services between Amsterdam and The Hague have been suspended due to a potential act of sabotage aimed at disrupting the NATO Summit happening this week. The summit, which is taking place in The Hague on Tuesday and Wednesday, has been characterized by Dutch police as the largest logistics and security operation the country has ever implemented, with over 45 world leaders and national delegations set to participate.
A significant fire affecting nearly 30 track cables early Tuesday morning caused considerable damage, leading to the cancellation of all rail services between Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport — where many delegations were expected to arrive — and The Hague. Repairs are anticipated to take until Tuesday evening.
Dutch caretaker justice minister David van Weel, who previously served as NATO’s assistant secretary general for emerging security challenges, speculated that the fire could have been a sabotage attempt. He highlighted the uncertainties surrounding the potential perpetrators, suggesting that it could involve activist groups or be state-led actions.
To ensure security during the summit, the Netherlands has mobilized around 27,000 police officers — almost half of the country’s police force — along with military personnel. The summit is being held against the backdrop of escalating geopolitical tensions due to ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, as well as tensions involving Israel and Iran.
“We are prioritizing the repair of those cables to restore transportation, as the summit involves closed highways that have increased reliance on public transit,” said Van Weel. “It is an additional nuisance and challenge, but we are committed to addressing it.”
In parallel, pro-Russian hacktivist groups have reportedly launched DDoS attacks against organizations associated with the summit. This follows a trend observed last year when France’s high-speed railway experienced coordinated sabotage hours before the Olympic Games inauguration, which included fire-related incidents affecting several key rail lines around Paris.
Previous allegations concerning Russian hybrid operations have raised significant concerns among NATO allies and European Union member states, leading to formal condemnation of the Kremlin’s actions. NATO’s political executive body, the North Atlantic Council, expressed alarm over malign activities occurring on Allied territory, reflecting an ongoing pattern of increased threats from Russia across the Euro-Atlantic region.
This situation underscores the challenges facing international events amidst rising geopolitical tensions. While disruptions present challenges, the resilience of law enforcement and security agencies will be crucial in ensuring the safety and success of such high-profile gatherings.