Kathmandu, Mar 31: A tense situation has arisen in the east of the Netherlands as an armed attacker has taken multiple people hostage in a popular cafe in Ide city. According to police reports and local media, the incident occurred when the assailant entered Cafe Petticoat on Saturday morning, threatening to detonate explosives strapped to himself.

As a precautionary measure, approximately 150 houses surrounding the cafe have been evacuated, and key areas in the city have been cordoned off by law enforcement. Despite the gravity of the situation, authorities have clarified that there is no indication of terrorist intentions behind the hostage-taking incident.

The police are actively engaged in negotiations with the armed attacker to peacefully resolve the situation and ensure the safety of the hostages and surrounding residents. Meanwhile, specialized units and crisis response teams have been deployed to the scene to manage the crisis effectively.

The incident has prompted heightened security measures and raised concerns among the local community. However, authorities are urging the public to remain calm and cooperate with law enforcement instructions to facilitate a swift and safe resolution to the hostage situation.

As developments continue to unfold, authorities are maintaining a vigilant stance and working diligently to bring the situation under control without any harm to the hostages or civilians. Updates regarding the ongoing incident are expected to be communicated by law enforcement as the situation progresses.