The Italian Interior Ministry said Thursday that it has stepped up security at potential terrorist targets in the country after a major bomb plot alarm in Britain.

The ministry said in a statement that "security at potential targets has been intensified, particularly regarding structures linked to the United Kingdom."

It stressed, however, that there were no "specific alarm signals" for Italy.

Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi, who is on vacation in his home town of Bologna, said that "we are not taking any other special measures at the moment."

"But it's clear that our guard remains high and it certainly won't be lowered in the future," he added.

British police said Thursday morning that they had thwarted a plot to blow up several U.S.-bound airplanes.

More than 20 suspects were arrested in overnight raids in and around London and Birmingham.

Sources close to the investigation said up to 10 planes had been targeted in the plot which was believed to involve an explosive liquid chemical.

Security has been beefed up at both British and U.S. airports, causing massive delays and cancellations.

British carriers including British Airways and Virgin Atlantic banned hand luggage on flights, requiring passengers to pack all mobile phones, computers and handbags with their checked-in luggage.

Passengers were also banned from taking liquids on board except for essential medicines.

The alarm caused havoc at Italian airports as well, with cancellations and long delays of flights to London, according to reports.

British Airways urged Italian passengers to abandon or postpone any travel plans involving British destinations.

Security measures were also stepped up at Italian airports, with spot checks on passengers' hand luggages.

The Interior Ministry said it was not considering a hand luggage ban at the moment.

(Xinhua News Agency August 11, 2006)