Anarchists suspected after bomb blast in Rome
Explosions in Via Marmorata, close to a UN building, may have been 'an act of protest', say police
A bomb explosion near a post office in Rome this morning could have been "an act of protest", say Italian police.
Il Giornale newspaper reports two remote-controlled devices exploded in the city's southern Aventino district. The target was unclear.
No injuries have been reported, but the blasts caused panic and seriously damaged a nearby car.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The Independent says homemade devices using flammable fluid and remote controls were placed between cars parked in Via Marmorata, close to a post office and a UN building.
While homes and businesses were evacuated, emergency services have told state broadcaster RAI the situation is now under control.
Police believe the bombs could be the work of anarchist groups country, who have carried out fire-bombings in the past, including an arson attack in a warehouse on the southern outskirts of Rome.
It is not thought Islamists were responsible, although Islamic State has singled out Rome as a symbolic target in its propaganda.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Security in the Italian capital has heightened following IS-related terror attacks in Paris, Belgium and elsewhere in Europe.
Last month, an "extremely dangerous" Moroccan was arrested in Italy over alleged plans to stage a major terrorist attack in the country, which is due to host a G7 summit soon.
Travel expert Frank Behany told the Daily Express tourists should be assured that "good and obvious security exists in Rome".
He added: "They should not be overly concerned at this stage."
The UK Foreign Office advises travellers "should be vigilant at this time" as "terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Italy".
-
Tea with Judi Dench: ‘touching’ show is must-watch Christmas TVThe Week Recommends The national treasure sits down with Kenneth Branagh at her country home for a heartwarming ‘natter’
-
Codeword: December 24, 2025The daily codeword puzzle from The Week
-
Crossword: December 24, 2025The daily crossword from The Week
-
How Bulgaria’s government fell amid mass protestsThe Explainer The country’s prime minister resigned as part of the fallout
-
Femicide: Italy’s newest crimeThe Explainer Landmark law to criminalise murder of a woman as an ‘act of hatred’ or ‘subjugation’ but critics say Italy is still deeply patriarchal
-
Brazil’s Bolsonaro behind bars after appeals run outSpeed Read He will serve 27 years in prison
-
Americans traveling abroad face renewed criticism in the Trump eraThe Explainer Some of Trump’s behavior has Americans being questioned
-
Nigeria confused by Trump invasion threatSpeed Read Trump has claimed the country is persecuting Christians
-
Sanae Takaichi: Japan’s Iron Lady set to be the country’s first woman prime ministerIn the Spotlight Takaichi is a member of Japan’s conservative, nationalist Liberal Democratic Party
-
Russia is ‘helping China’ prepare for an invasion of TaiwanIn the Spotlight Russia is reportedly allowing China access to military training
-
Interpol arrests hundreds in Africa-wide sextortion crackdownIN THE SPOTLIGHT A series of stings disrupts major cybercrime operations as law enforcement estimates millions in losses from schemes designed to prey on lonely users