The Daily Mail reports that police used tear gas in an attempt to contain the confusion, while protesters torched police cars and a bus on Saturday night.
At least four police officers reportedly sustained injury during a violent riot that erupted after two rival groups of Eritreans clashed following a political disagreement on the streets in the Hague, the Netherlands.
The Hague municipality spokesman, Robin Middel said, “It got seriously out of control,” as images from the scene showed burning vehicles and dozens of men on the street, some throwing rocks and road signs at police officers.
According to the spokesperson, the confrontation began when a group that supports the current government of Eritrea was holding a meeting and was attacked by Eritreans who opposed the government of the African country.
Police said that during the disturbances, two officers sustained injuries to their hand and another to her teeth. A fourth was hit by a police car in the chaos.
Out of nowhere, our colleagues were confronted with very intense and serious violence,' said police commander Marielle van Vulpen.
Police made several arrests and have called for witnesses and video footage, as they investigate the riots.
Officers dressed in riot gear barricaded the entrance to the building and dealt with a fire that had broken out inside. They removed what appeared to be a fuel canister from the property.
Youths were dressed in hooded jackets and some covered their faces with scarves and balaclavas.
Netherlands-based journalist Owen O'Brien shared the footage on X and wrote: 'Rioters break into an entrance at the #Opera.
'Windows are broken and attempts are made to enter. The fire brigade has also left again and cannot extinguish the fire.'
The reporter said the Opera Hall had suffered 'extensive damage' because of the violent riots.
Jan van Zanen, mayor of The Hague, authorised police to use tear gas, a spokesman told the Netherlands Times.
The mayor also issued an emergency order for the area around Fruitweg, a spokesperson for the municipality of The Hague said.
The riots in the Netherlands accentuate the division in the African country and the outbreaks of violence between Eritreans across Europe. Last year, dozens of people, including at least 26 police officers, were injured during clashes surrounding an Eritrean cultural festival in the city of Stuttgart, Germany.
In the same month, a fight between supporters and opponents of the Eritrean government in Tel Aviv led to violent clashes in the streets.
In the Eritrean conflict in Israel, about 170 people were injured. Once again, the confrontation was carried out by groups that support the Eritrean government and people who are against the regime. The Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said “a red line” had been crossed. He also ordered a new plan to remove all African migrants he described as “illegal infiltrators.”
The second largest city in Norway, Bergen, also did not escape conflicts between Eritreans. During a rally marking the country's independence day, there was a clash between supporters and opponents of the Eritrean government
Thousands of people fled Eritrea for Europe last year, claiming they were suffering repression from the repressive government of President Isaias Afwerki.
In the country, there are two distinct groups: those who are seeking exile and strongly oppose Isaías and others who support the current government.