At least 300 schools evacuated across Italy over bomb threats

• At least 300 schools across Italy were evacuated Wednesday after receiving emails warning of bombs on their premises.
• Education Minister Giuseppe Valditara said the threats were believed to be false, but the number of affected schools could rise.
• The emails were signed by a person claiming to be "Mikhail Andropov," who previously claimed responsibility for similar threats targeting newsrooms in Ireland and Bulgaria.

At least 300 schools across Italy were evacuated on Wednesday following bomb threats sent through emails to educational institutions across the country, Italian Education Minister Giuseppe Valditara said.

Speaking to Italian broadcaster La7, Valditara said authorities believed the threats were false, adding that the number of schools receiving the warnings was expected to increase.

He said the large number of schools targeted suggested that the threats lacked credibility.

A school in Rome informed parents through a messaging application that all students had been moved to a safe location and placed under the supervision of teaching staff following the warning.

According to a copy of the email reviewed by Reuters, the message was signed by "Mikhail Andropov, leader of the state of Mesogenistan."

The same individual, who claimed responsibility for sending the message, had previously taken credit for bomb threats emailed to newsrooms in Ireland and Bulgaria on Friday.

A spokesperson for Rome's police said authorities were investigating the incident.

The threats come amid growing concerns across Europe over so-called hybrid warfare, involving disruptive activities targeting civilian infrastructure and public institutions.

Recent incidents have included threats and disruptions affecting supermarkets, blood banks, flights, and television stations.