On Tuesday, Italian authorities announced a heightened state of alert due to perceived terrorist threat and decided to strengthen the country’s security by increasing the number of soldiers, guarding the streets, from 3,000 to 4,800.
Previously, Italian media reported that the country may become a likely target for terrorist attacks with regard to the upcoming Expo 2015 exhibition in Milan. Main potential targets may include the foreign ministry in Rome and the Vatican as well as various religious facilities.
"What happened in Paris with the Charlie Hebdo attacks could also happen at the Vatican. We are ready to intervene to ensure Francis is protected," Vatican's Swiss Guard said, cited by thelocal.it.
The Swiss Guards were asked to pay more attention to suspicious individuals and control the movement of people.
Earlier, a number of country’s officials claimed that the threat of an attack carried out by an off-balance individual is highly likely as such incidents have already taken place in the neighboring France last month.
