Italy steps up security after U.S. warning, seeking 5 possible suspects

Security around possible top targets for terror attacks in Rome and Milan was stepped up after information were provided by the United States, local media reported Thursday citing authorities.

The U.S. State Department passed on a warning to Italian security services that some major sites such as San Peter's Basilica here, the opera house and the cathedral in Milan could be identified as potential targets for Islamic terrorist attacks, Ansa news agency reported.

The information came from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), which had in turn received it from the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), Ansa said citing security sources.

The U.S. Embassy in Rome had issued a similar security message for U.S. citizens on Wednesday, warning these three major sites could be possibly targeted as well as "general venues such as churches, synagogues, restaurants, theatres, and hotels in both cities."

"Terrorist groups may possibly utilize similar methods used in the recent Paris attacks," it added.

The U.S. Embassy however did not warn against travelling to Italy.

Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni confirmed on Thursday Italy's authorities were aware of such a warning, stressing all possible alerts were being taken into serious consideration.

"The level of alert in Italy is very high, as the Interior Minister has also repeatedly confirmed," Foreign Minister Gentiloni said to state broadcaster RAI TV.

"Security measures are at maximum level, also around the places specified by the FBI," Gentiloni said.

"We take all warnings most seriously, and especially those coming from the United States, even if this may create some inconvenience in the population."

Italian authorities were also trying to identify five people on the basis of information from the United States, Gentiloni added.

"Our intelligence and security forces have been at work on this since yesterday," Gentiloni said.

"We were given their names only, and we are now trying to identify them."

Meanwhile, the A Line of Rome's subway was partially shut for a bomb alert on Thursday morning after a suspicious package was noted by military patrols inside a station, the public transport agency (ATAC) said.

It turned out to be a false alarm, and Italian police specified the abandoned package did not contain explosive or any dangerous materials.

Overall, security in the capital city has been visibly stepped up since after the Paris terror attacks.

Some 700 troops were added to 1,300 soldiers being already deployed around 94 major sites considered at risk.

Some 24,000 police forces will also contributed to the security of Rome, which is bracing up for the opening of the Catholic Jubilee on Dec. 8.

Millions of pilgrims are expected to visit the city throughout the so-called "Holy Year."

Security checkpoints were to be put at the entrances of St. Peter's Square, while controls at main transport hubs and the airport have already been increased.

Measures were also being taken against a possible remote-controlled aircraft or drone attack.

"Essentially, the whole air space over the city of Rome will be closed during the Jubilee Year," Rome's prefect Franco Gabrielli told local media on Thursday.

"Italy and Rome are under threat, and nobody has ever denied it. Yet, in some perspective it is an undefined threat, and our message to the population is to go on with their life."

"I also expect Islamic communities (in the city) to take a clear position with 'no ifs and no buts,' and offer a complete collaboration," Gabrielli added. Endit