Italy on high alert of terror attack as FBI warns jihadists are planning to strike Vatican
Italy has raised the security level after warnings of possible terrorist attacks at a number of historical monuments and buildings of significance in Rome and Milan.
St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, Milan’s cathedral and La Scala opera house, as well as ‘general venues’ like churches, synagogues, restaurants, theaters and hotels have been identified as ‘potential targets’ by the FBI.
The warnings came from the U.S. State Department as the FBI began investigating five possible suspects involved in the threats, Italy’s foreign minister said on Thursday.
Paolo Gentiloni referred to ‘possible terrorist attacks that could be aimed at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome or the Duomo (cathedral) or Scala theatre in Milan’.
‘As of yesterday our security forces are working to identify five people,’ he said in an interview with state broadcaster RAI.
Italy raised its security alert level to 2, the highest possible in the absence of a direct attack on the country, following Friday’s attacks in Paris in which Islamic State gunmen and bombers killed 129 people.
Gentiloni said the U.S. embassy in Rome had recommended tourists take particular care in certain parts of Italy but had not advised them against going there.
The embassy sent out a ‘security message for U.S. citizens,’ early Thursday, saying that ‘terrorist groups may possibly utilize similar methods used in the recent Paris attacks.’
It added: ‘The Italian authorities are aware of these threats.’
The message urged U.S. citizens to ‘remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings.’
RAI state radio said early Thursday that ‘there are no direct signs of concrete threats’ in connection with the information. It quoted unidentified Italian government officials as saying Italy receives information from many sources and is neither underestimating nor over-emphasizing the information.
Pope Francis’ weekly audience was held on Wednesday without incident in St. Peter’s Square, although his bodyguard contingent was reinforced.
La Scala’s season begins with a gala premiere on Dec. 7, Milan’s patron saint’s feast day. Some 700 soldiers are being deployed in Rome for security since last week’s Paris attacks.
Source: dailymail
