Italy: Hundreds of schools evacuated after bomb threats

Although the government believes the threat to be a hoax, it has nevertheless prompted concerns about "hybrid warfare" in Europe. Similar messages were sent in Northern Ireland, Ireland, and Bulgaria. At 10 a.m.

local time on Wednesday, 312 Italian schools received the same e-mail: "A powerful explosive device with a remote detonator has been left in your building." Antonello Giannelli, head of the National Association of School Principals, said that it was "clearly the work of a hoaxer" trying to sow chaos. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's cabinet will convene an emergency meeting this afternoon, the Palazzo Chigi has confirmed. "The government is closely monitoring the numerous reports of bomb threats at schools," Meloni said in a statement posted to social media.

"Law enforcement agencies and government institutions at every level are working to monitor the situation and reassure citizens, families, and school staff. "At this time, based on the investigations conducted, there is no evidence to suggest that a concrete danger exists.