More than 6,300 schools in Italy received bomb threats, causing student evacuations. However, Italian authorities believe these are likely hoaxes similar to those occurring in several European countries.
On Wednesday, 11 Nov 2026 GMT+7, Giuseppe Valditara, Italy's Minister of Education, revealed that around 300 schools nationwide had received bomb threats over recent days. However, he stated this was likely a "cyberattack, not a threat intended to be carried out."
Valditara told Italian television there was a clear strategy behind these waves of threats in Italy and elsewhere in Europe, targeting flights, supermarkets, and even hospitals.
Italian officials disclosed that threatening emails were sent to over 6,300 public schools out of 7,476 nationwide, prompting evacuations at many locations as a precaution, while private schools were unaffected.
The messages claimed to be from a person named "Mikhail Andropov, leader of Vilayat di Misoginistan," though this individual's identity remains unconfirmed.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni immediately convened key ministers and intelligence chiefs. She confirmed the government is closely monitoring the numerous bomb threat reports, though so far no evidence indicates "any real danger."
"These reports appear linked to a strategy aimed more at creating panic and concern," Meloni said on Facebook.
This latest incident follows a wave of false bomb threats last week targeting multiple Italian airports and European airlines, causing widespread concern, evacuations, and disruption.
According to Italian media, 280 school principals have received threats in recent days, particularly on Wednesday. Although many schools initially evacuated, situations calmed quickly, and students were allowed to return to class as normal.
Stefania Proietti, governor of Italy's central Umbria region, stated that inspections so far have found no suspicious items. Law enforcement is working diligently and carefully to investigate each report.
Meanwhile, over 300 schools in Northern Ireland also received threatening emails, which police are treating as "hoaxes." Similar threats have been sent to several schools in Scotland, also deemed hoaxes by police, though it remains unclear if these incidents are connected.
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Source:bbc