Italy: Country placed on high security alert amid terrorist threat

Event

Italy has been placed on high alert following the August 17 terrorist attacks carried out in Barcelona and Cambrils (Spain). New security measures have been implemented throughout the country. The number of police patrolling tourist areas in the Rome region has been increased and trucks will now be monitored and searched throughout the capital. Meanwhile, barriers preventing vehicular access to six pedestrian areas in Sicily as well as potentially vulnerable areas in Milan have been erected. Delays at security checkpoints in airports are possible.

According to some analysts, recent propaganda by the Islamic State (IS) suggests that Italy may soon be the target of terrorist attacks.

Context

On Saturday, August 19, three terrorist suspects detained in Italy were deported back to their home countries, raising the number of suspected militants to be deported since January 2015 to 202.

Terrorism has become a major public concern across Europe. On August 17, two cars deliberately crashed into pedestrians in Barcelona and Cambrils killing 14 people and injuring over a 100. This was the latest attack in Europe following incidents in Paris, Istanbul, Madrid, and London. 

Advice

Individuals present in Italy are advised to report any suspicious behavior or objects to the relevant authorities.