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Hundreds of Italian Schools Evacuated Over Bomb Threat Hoaxes

Crime · First reported 11 Nov, 10:51 · Updated 11:10

Image: Financial Times

Hundreds of schools across Italy were evacuated on Wednesday after receiving threatening emails claiming explosives were placed on site. Similar messages were received by schools in the UK and Ireland but were largely dismissed as non-credible hoaxes without prompting closures. Italian authorities, including Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, confirmed no concrete danger was found, amid concerns regarding broader hybrid disruption campaigns affecting Europe.

  • More than 300 schools across Italy were evacuated Wednesday following identical emails falsely claiming explosives had been placed in the buildings.
  • Authorities in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland reported receiving similar threatening emails but assessed them as non-credible hoaxes that did not disrupt classes.
  • Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated there was no persistent concrete danger and that the incidents appeared aimed at creating alarm and spreading fear.
  • The emails were signed under the pseudonym Mikhail Andropov, matching the sender name used in recent threats directed at European broadcasters and newsrooms.
  • Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto cautioned that the disruptions could stem from opportunistic individuals rather than solely hostile foreign nations.
Summary written by Sumzly from 6 articles

Key facts

Italian schools evacuated
Over 300 (specifically 312 reported by officials)
Date of incident
November 11, 2026
Sender pseudonym
Mikhail Andropov, leader of the Vilayat of Misoginistan
Countries receiving school emails
Italy, United Kingdom (Scotland, Northern Ireland, England), and Republic of Ireland
Targeted Italian Prime Minister
Giorgia Meloni

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Left 6 · Centre 10 · Right 2 of 18 rated sources

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  • Billionaire 11% (2)
  • Public broadcaster 11% (2)
  • Non-profit 6% (1)

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