Police forces in Italy are on high alert following the deadly attack in the German city of Magdeburg. By decision of the Italian Minister of the Interior Matteo Piandendozzi asked to strengthen, as much as possible, the security measures at the outdoor Christmas markets, as well as in all places frequented by local and foreign tourists.

The main reference, of course, is to Rome and the wider area of ​​Agios Petros. Thousands of pilgrims have already started flocking to the Italian capital ahead of the start of the Catholic Holy Year the day after tomorrow. On Tuesday, Pope Francis will open the Holy Gate in the Vatican in an official ceremony, with a huge crowd of believers and tourists.

The presence of police and carabinieri is intense throughout the Italian capital and especially near Agios Petros, where squares and shopping streets have just been pedestrianized. An additional reason for constant vigilance and protection of the large number of citizens, who are carefree on foot during these festive days.

Controls for “lone wolves” are being intensified

Italy, so far, is the only major country in Europe that has not been hit by terrorist attacks linked – directly or indirectly – to Islamic fundamentalism. This, as Interior Ministry sources point out, is also due to the experienced, continuous action of the secret services. During these hours, a new effort is made to keep the whole situation under control, especially with regard to the action of any “lone wolves”

The checks are carried out in Rome but also in all the other, small and large, cities of the country. The Ministry of the Interior announced that the process of deporting suspected and would-be terrorists continues. From the beginning of the year until today they reached 82.

In total in Italy the so-called “sensitive targets” are 28,000. Among them: embassies, consulates, airports, stations, shopping centers and main streets where citizens flock. Immediate priority in this phase is given, however, to guarding two hundred and fifty “sensitive targets”. Finally, the police unions are asking for reinforcement of their organizational structure in the Eternal City, so that they can work more efficiently throughout the Catholic Holy Year – the Jubilee – in the next twelve months.