Italian Military Launch Manhunt Amid Fears Muslim ‘Potential Bomber’ Will Attack Tourists in Rome

Military forces in Italy trained in counter-terrorism tactics have kicked off a widespread hunt for a Muslim man named Mathlouthi Atef, age 42, they believe is plotting a terrorist bombing attack on spots in Rome.

Atef’s mugshot has been distributed far and wide.

He hails from Tunisia and has been flagged by Italian intel.

The Express has more:

A mugshot of the Tunisian suspect has been circulated over fears he could strike bars, train stations and shopping centres in Rome.

The alert came after the Italian embassy in Tunisia’s capital, Tunis, received an anonymous letter claiming a man was “ready to attack the centre of Rome”.

The chilling threat was “considered reliable”, according to Rome-based newspaper Il Corriere della Citta.

Another newspaper, Il Giornale, reported that Atef is already known to police for drug dealing and “other minor crimes”.

Italy’s military police force, known as the carabinieri, declined to comment on the possible terror threat.

The Foreign Office website warns that “terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Italy” and warns British tourists to be vigilant.

It adds: “Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by foreigners.
“There are isolated cases of domestic terrorism.

“Attacks carried out by the extreme left-wing and secessionist groups have generally been aimed at official Italian targets, mainly in the form of small bombs and incendiary devices.

“The Italian authorities have made a number of arrests of individuals with links to Islamic State (ISIS) and other extremist groups.

There is a heightened threat of terrorist attack globally against UK interests and British nationals, from groups or individuals motivated by the conflict in Iraq and Syria.”