ROME -- Italy is deploying special forces all across the peninsula in a nationwide effort to crack down on terrorism. Among the troops that have been mobilised are 7000 soldiers and groups of specially-trained assault divisions, including the Col Moschin paratroopers and the naval arm Comsubin, all of whom have been stationed in key strategic points. 

 The police has already carried out four anti-terrorism exercises, and says they will be used in cases of need and emergency. The measures have been carried out not just because of the very real threat of terrorist attacks, which have been manifesting themselves all across Europe, but also as a much-needed method of deterrence and prevention, 

 In case these forces should be deployed, they will be under the command of the Carabinieri (when north of Rome) and of the Police (when south of the capital).

 The precautions taken should also avoid the need for the ‘witch-hunts’ that have taken place in Europe, should an attack take place, which would render the situation more serious and complicated.

 Italian intelligence has assured the country that there are currently no concrete threats, while admitting that it is impossible to measure just how dangerous threats are to cities, monuments or all the other ‘soft targets’ that have been the focus of terrorist organisation thus far. 

 As minister of the Interior Angelo Alfano declares, “we aren’t telling people not to be scared, but the people of Italy can be certain that, during both day and night, there will be people constantly at work to make the nation more secure, and that from the Home Office to the Chief of Police, no one will be relaxing their guard.”

 Speaking after the Rouen attack, Italian prime minister Matteo Renzi added: “We must never surrender to an ideology of death and fear. Both Italy and the EU will have to show themselves to be the better man, by speaking out for their own identity and not closing themselves up.”