half of young suspects behind hague explosions are under 18
Den Haag, woensdag, 25 februari 2026.
the number of explosions in the hague decreased slightly in 2025, with 151 incidents compared to 166 the year before. despite this drop, the situation remains alarming. half of the suspects arrested were younger than 18. some as young as 14. these teenagers are often recruited to place powerful explosives, sometimes equivalent to hand grenades. the devices, made from illegal fireworks like cobras or even stronger homemade versions, have been found hidden in homes and storage units. during an action week in october, police caught 11 underage suspects. one explosive contained 3,500 grams of flash powder—equal to 120 cobra blasts. authorities stress that many youths involved come from vulnerable backgrounds. the national ‘offensive against explosions’ continues with intensified cooperation between agencies. citizens are urged to report suspicious activity.
slight decline in hague explosions masks ongoing threat
The number of attempted or completed explosions targeting homes and businesses in Den Haag declined slightly in 2025, falling to 151 incidents from 166 in 2024 [1]. Despite this reduction, authorities emphasize the figure remains unacceptably high [1]. Law enforcement attributes most attacks to organized criminal networks exploiting vulnerable individuals [1]. The persistent volume of incidents underscores deep-rooted issues involving illegal explosives distribution and recruitment of youth [1][2]. Investigations continue across the region amid concerns over public safety [1].
youth at the center of explosion cases
Half of the suspects apprehended in connection with explosive attacks in Den Haag in 2025 were under 18 years old [3]. The average age of those identified was 24, but 50 percent fell below the legal adult threshold [1][3]. Some minors as young as 14 have been detained during crackdowns [2][3]. Authorities note that recruiters often target adolescents facing financial, psychological, or social hardships [1][3]. These young individuals are then paid small sums to deploy highly dangerous devices near residences [3]. Their vulnerability makes them susceptible to exploitation by criminal groups [1][3].
dangerous materials found in residential areas
Explosive devices recovered in Den Haag frequently contain modified or industrial-grade pyrotechnics [2]. Standard illicit fireworks such as cobras possess explosive force comparable to military hand grenades [1][2][3]. Some confiscated materials contained up to ten times the normal gunpowder load [1][3]. One discovery included approximately 3,500 grams of flash powder stored in a basement unit [2][3]. Experts calculated its blast yield equaled 120 standard cobra detonations [2]. Nearly all such materials were located in densely populated housing complexes, endangering innocent residents [2][3].
crackdown efforts and public awareness campaigns
Police conducted targeted operations including an enforcement week in October 2025, resulting in 15 arrests [1][2]. Eleven of those arrested were minors, highlighting continued youth involvement [1][2]. During this period, officers seized homemade explosives and large quantities of flash powder [1][2]. As part of the national “Offensief Tegen Explosies” (OtE), coordinated by Mayor Carola Schouten of Rotterdam and the Ministry of Justice, agencies collaborate closely [1][3]. Citizens are encouraged to report suspicious behavior through official channels like 0900-8844 or 0800-7000 [1][3].
recent arrests extend beyond den haag
On February 24, 2026, Dutch law enforcement made progress in a related case outside the immediate region [4]. Two male suspects aged 15 and 18 from Maassluis were taken into custody in connection with a November 12, 2025 explosion on Archimedeskade in Haarlem [4]. The investigation demonstrates how similar tactics are being employed across urban centers [4]. While distinct from Den Haag’s statistics, it reflects broader patterns of juvenile recruitment and use of powerful explosives in domestic settings [GPT][4]. Regional coordination strengthens responses to these shared threats [1].