WASHINGTON — The United States stepped up security procedures Monday after an attempted parcel bombing at the Greek embassy in Rome, officials said.

"We have notified all US embassies worldwide to review current mail screening procedures and to continue vigilance when opening mail," US State Department spokesman Mark Toner told reporters at a briefing.

"In Rome, we are monitoring the situation with local law enforcement.

"We have alerted all US Embassy Rome personnel that if they receive anything suspicious -- either at the Embassy or at their residences -- to inform the Regional Security Officer immediately," he added.

Toner spoke after officials at the Greek embassy in Italy received a package similar to ones that exploded last week at the Swiss and Chilean embassies.

The interception of the parcel bomb for the Greek embassy was followed by around 10 false alarms at other foreign embassies around Rome.

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