NewsItaly boosts security nationwide following terror threat, ahead of Holy Week

Italy boosts security nationwide following terror threat, ahead of Holy Week

Italians are strengthening the protection of certain facilities.
Italians are strengthening the protection of certain facilities.
Images source: © ANSA, EPA, PAP | ANGELO CARCONI

12:31 PM EDT, March 24, 2024

The Italian Ministry of Interior has stepped up security across the nation in response to a perceived increase in threat levels, especially in places considered sensitive, following a terrorist incident near Moscow, as reported by the Ansa news agency citing internal sources.

According to Ansa, authorities have notably enhanced security at places of worship, focusing mainly on synagogues due to repeated threats by jihadists targeting Jewish sites.

Security has also been beefed up in zones surrounding key infrastructure and locations where large crowds are common, including train stations and airports, with embassies receiving added protection as well.
This security ramp-up comes just ahead of the Holy Week celebrations in Rome and the Vatican, where more than a million tourists from around the globe are expected.

A meeting is set for Monday at the Ministry of the Interior's national committee for public order and security to examine further the situation in the wake of the recent attack in Russia.

The attack took place on Friday evening at Crocus City Hall in Krasnogorsk, near Moscow, resulting in over 100 fatalities and numerous injuries. The Islamic State of Khorasan Province has claimed responsibility for this act of terror, and Russian authorities have since detained four individuals linked to the attack.