European Union (bbabo.net), - Italian authorities fear attacks by lone terrorists due to growing tensions in the Middle East, which is why they are increasing their preparedness to ensure security at museums, concerts and sporting events. This was stated by Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi at a press conference after a national security meeting.
The minister emphasized:
“The demand for safety from the public has increased.”
The minister convened the National Security Council the day after the Iranian air attack on Israel. According to intelligence data, Italy is not particularly exposed to the threat of terrorism, so it remains among Western countries that have not yet suffered a single Islamist attack. This circumstance increases fears of terrorist attacks. However, in addition to already heavily guarded sites, buildings and institutions, including the Vatican and the Roman synagogue, diplomatic missions, tourist attractions, airports and train stations, Italian security services are increasing security at public events such as concerts, sporting events and other events.
According to the Italian Ministry of the Interior, special attention is being paid to the Balkan migration route, through which extremist, jihadist elements can infiltrate. Matteo Piantedosi recalled that border controls with Slovenia were reintroduced on October 21, 2023. Since then, more than 1,300 people have been returned from the border and 120 have been arrested.
Islamic cultural centers and places of worship, prisons where Muslim prisoners could be radicalized, and foreign fighters returning from battlefields in the Middle East are being monitored, the minister assured. Social networking sites, he continued, are also under scrutiny, seeing a surge in anti-Western and anti-Israel posts.
In turn, the Roman prefect Lamberto Giannini said that it was difficult to further increase security preparedness in the capital, since it was already at the highest level. Security measures will be strengthened in Milan at the furniture and design exhibition, which starts today, April 16, as well as in Venice at the Biennale and in Piazza San Marco. In Florence, security has been stepped up at Santa Maria Novella train station and on the streets between the Duomo and the Uffizi Gallery, where most tourists pass.
The city of Naples and the island of Capri, where the G7 foreign ministers are scheduled to meet tomorrow, April 17, are on high alert.
“The Italian police and secret service are the best in the world when it comes to prevention, even when it comes to the actions of crazy people. I trust the work of the authorities,” said Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto in an interview with the Rai Uno TV channel.
bbabo.Net