Allah-Las concert cancelled over terror fears
A van containing gas canisters was stopped by police in Rotterdam after a tip-off from Spanish colleagues
An American rock band has cancelled a performance in Rotterdam following a "terror threat" and the discovery of a Spanish-registered van containing gas canisters near the venue.
The Spanish driver of the van has been detained by local police for questioning.
"Police said the concert by Los Angeles band Allah-Las was called off after Dutch police received a tip-off from Spanish police at around 5.30pm local time," The Australian reports. The band receives regular threats of violence because of its name.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Rotterdam police spokesman Roland Ekkers told reporters it was "too soon to say if the van was directly connected" to the band's decision to cancel the show, according to CNN.
"It can also be someone who was going to a camping site, but with the threat that we have, and what we found in the van, we decided to investigate," Ekkers said. He added that "about five" gas canisters had been recovered and were being examined by explosives experts.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Will Japan’s first female prime minister defy sumo’s ban on women?Under the Radar Sanae Takaichi must decide whether to break with centuries of tradition and step into the ring to present the trophy
-
Political cartoons for November 16Cartoons Sunday's political cartoons include presidential pardons, the Lincoln penny, and more
-
The vast horizons of the Puna de AtacamaThe Week Recommends The ‘dramatic and surreal’ landscape features volcanoes, fumaroles and salt flats
-
Nigeria confused by Trump invasion threatSpeed Read Trump has claimed the country is persecuting Christians
-
France’s ‘red hands’ trial highlights alleged Russian disruption operationsUNDER THE RADAR Attacks on religious and cultural institutions around France have authorities worried about Moscow’s effort to sow chaos in one of Europe’s political centers
-
Sanae Takaichi: Japan’s Iron Lady set to be the country’s first woman prime ministerIn the Spotlight Takaichi is a member of Japan’s conservative, nationalist Liberal Democratic Party
-
Russia is ‘helping China’ prepare for an invasion of TaiwanIn the Spotlight Russia is reportedly allowing China access to military training
-
Interpol arrests hundreds in Africa-wide sextortion crackdownIN THE SPOTLIGHT A series of stings disrupts major cybercrime operations as law enforcement estimates millions in losses from schemes designed to prey on lonely users
-
China is silently expanding its influence in American citiesUnder the Radar New York City and San Francisco, among others, have reportedly been targeted
-
How China uses 'dark fleets' to circumvent trade sanctionsThe Explainer The fleets are used to smuggle goods like oil and fish
-
One year after mass protests, why are Kenyans taking to the streets again?today's big question More than 60 protesters died during demonstrations in 2024