Italy spies on foreigners over terrorism fears

The secret services have been paying greater attention to foreigners in Italy over the past few days, Corriere della Sera reported.

The increase in security checks is aimed at preventing attacks such as the deadly shooting at Brussels’ Jewish Museum earlier this year, the newspaper said. The accused French gunman was allegedly a torturer for Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (Isis) before the attack in Belgium, which left four people dead.

In response to direct threats from Isis against Rome, Interior Minister Angelino Alfano last month said it was “essential” for Italy to increase its security level.

The security risk posed by Isis was described as being equal to that of terrorist group Al-Qaeda in 2001, following the September 11th attacks against the US.

In recent weeks the US has launched bombing raids against Isis in Iraq and Syria, with Italy’s backing.

The Italian government has contributed arms and aid to the fight against Isis, but in September it would not directly participate in the raids.

READ MORE: Italy steps up security after Isis threats