In Italy’s Puglia region, at 8 a.m. local time on February 9th, a violent armed robbery occurred. Approximately 6 to 10 masked bandits ambushed a Battistolli Group armored cash transport vehicle on Highway 613 connecting Lecce and Brindisi.
The criminals first installed warning lights on cars to impersonate police, then blocked traffic on the highway by placing multiple vehicles sideways and setting them ablaze. They also attempted to blow open the armored van with explosives. Although this damaged the vehicle, its internal security defenses were activated and the robbers were unable to obtain any cash.
During their escape, the criminals not only hijacked passing vehicles from civilians, but also scattered a large number of caltrops on the road to puncture the tires of pursuing police cars. Police later discovered an abandoned sedan in the suburbs and successfully arrested two suspects attempting to flee.
According to reports, the arrested suspects are all locals from the Puglia region. Criminal organizations in the area are adept at attacking armored cash transports, employing paramilitary tactics, and are equipped with military-grade weapons and explosives, posing an extreme threat to law enforcement.
Fortunately, no police officers or civilians were injured in the incident. The Italian police are currently conducting a comprehensive search for the other suspects using helicopters and roadblocks.