Sicilian ports boost anti-terror checks

(ANSA) - Palermo, August 26 - The Sicilian ports of Palermo, Trapani, Catania, and Pozzallo have stepped up security checks after the interior ministry issued a terrorism alert last week, local authorities said Tuesday.
    Italy's national security authorities last Wednesday issued an alert for possible terrorist attacks on "sensitive targets" after receiving unspecified "threats". The advisory came after parliament OK'd plans to arm Iraqi Kurds battling an Islamic State (ISIS) fundamentalist offensive in northern Iraq.
    As a result, authorities are ramping up security at all ports with connections to North Africa and the Middle East, most of which are located in Sicily.
    Other sensitive targets include embassies, airports, and places of worship, the ministry advisory said.