Markets and Jubilee, Italy armouring after Magdeburg

Christmas markets, New Year's Eve concerts, festive religious ceremonies and those for the Jubilee, which opens on 24 December evening. The attack in Magdeburg triggered a further increase in vigilance throughout Italy. Not only in large cities, but also in small towns. There is a risk of emulation or the triggering of a lone wolf. The Minister of the Interior, Matteo Piantedosi, has thus recommended the "utmost attention" to the heads of the security forces on the events in the squares, also calling for intensified monitoring of radical Islam circles.

The threat profiles for Italy had already been analysed last Tuesday during the meeting of the National Committee for Public Order and Security chaired by Piantedosi. The panel, which was attended by the heads of intelligence and police forces, highlighted the persistence of the threat of terrorism of Islamic origin, even in the absence of evidence of hostile planning concerning Italy. The international situation, with so many open war fronts, is incandescent.

Concern is growing as the Jubilee year is about to begin. Rome is in fact always in the crosshairs of jihadist propaganda as a symbolic place of Christianity and hostile messages continue to be found on Islamist social channels that could be picked up by subjects in the process of radicalisation. Therefore, indications had already been given to reinforce the presence of crowds, stations, airports, places of worship of the different religious denominations, especially the Jewish one. However, Friday's attack in Magdeburg necessitated a new check of the measures in place. In the morning, the Strategic Anti-Terrorism Analysis Committee, made up of representatives of the police forces and services, met at the Viminale. In the afternoon, Piantedosi convened a new meeting to give the new indications.

As always, the risk of emulation is high after a sensational action like the German one. And the danger of the lone wolf is always present. Individuals - often unknown to the security apparatus - who spring into action without warning. No need for bombs or complex plans: a vehicle thrown into the crowd is enough, as has been seen many times in Europe. Hence the minister's recommendation that all initiatives be taken to protect street events that draw crowds: Christmas markets, processions, Jubilee ceremonies, concerts.

In the metropolis as in the smaller towns. In Bolzano, where there is one of the most famous Christmas markets at Werther square, the entrances are manned by a cordon of police forces. Civil defence personnel are also working to install concrete barriers to prevent unauthorised vehicles from entering the square. All monitoring activities on the most at-risk areas will be further intensified, with checks on individuals who might become radicalised. The aim is to identify them before they take action and expel them. Since the beginning of the year, 82 expulsions have been ordered. The Jubilee is under special surveillance, with 700 police units on duty every day in addition to those already on duty. On the 24th evening Pope Francis will open the Holy Door of St. Peter's. A massive security device has been put in place by the police headquarters. The entire area around the Vatican will be super-guarded. Security sweeps will begin the day before. Dog teams, bomb squads and snipers will also be in the field. Controls with metal detectors to access St. Peter's Square. Anti-drone devices belonging to the Armed Forces will be deployed and retractable anti-kamikaze pillars will be installed in strategic points in the area close to St. Peter's Square. Underground lines and stations will be guarded to guarantee the safety of pilgrims. Anti-hacker teams ready to foil cyber attacks.