Italian authorities detained a Tajikistan man, suspected of being a significant member of the Islamic State group, upon his arrival at Rome’s international airport from a flight originating in the Netherlands.
The man, referred to as S.I. in an international arrest warrant, is alleged to have travelled to Syria in 2014 to join IS.
Described as a fugitive, he has reportedly assumed multiple identities, employing various aliases, birthdates, and nationalities, including those of Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Ukraine.
His arrest was part of a heightened security measure in Rome, prompted by the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, and took place just before noon after he disembarked from a flight from Eindhoven, Netherlands.
Last month, Italy intensified precautionary measures and surveillance against terrorism across the country, tightening controls and enforcement at airports and stations, especially around the Vatican.
Surveillance and counter-terrorism measures have been heightened across the country, stretching through the Alps, as tourists arrive to spend the Easter holiday in Italy, despite rainfall similar to previous years.
Following the recent attack in Moscow, for which ISIS claimed responsibility, Italy, following France’s lead, has also raised its alert level.
The Ministry of Interior announced intensified surveillance and monitoring operations, especially during Holy Week, with greater attention to deployment locations, transit areas, and sensitive targets.
