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[INTERNATIONAL] · Italy · 33 sources

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Italy schools face nationwide false bomb threats

At least 50 educational institutions across Italy were targeted by threatening emails on Monday, October 19. The messages, which used a sender name appearing to belong to the Saudi Ministry of Education, claimed that explosive devices containing ammonium nitrate (ANFO) had been placed in buildings. The threats also included claims of planned terrorist attacks and the intent to establish Sharia law.

In Arezzo, the Vasari middle school was evacuated, with approximately 600 students and staff moved to a nearby park. Similar threats were reported in the Veneto region, affecting provinces including Padua, Verona, and Vicenza, as well as in Calabria, where schools in Cotronei, Polistena, and Villa San Giovanni were targeted. In Lucca, eleven schools were evacuated as a precaution.

Law enforcement agencies, including the Carabinieri and Polizia di Stato, conducted searches at the targeted locations, but no explosives were found. Authorities have characterized the incidents as false alarms intended to cause panic. Investigations are ongoing to identify the authors of the communications.

Entities

Alberto Stefani · Arezzo · Carabinieri · Italy · Oriani institute · Oriani institute · Polizia Postale · Polizia di Stato · Saudi Ministry of Education · Vasari middle school · Vasari middle school · Veneto

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