Armed Men Arrested in Viterbo Ahead of Local Festival
Two Turkish men were apprehended near Rome hours before a major religious procession and celebration.
ROME: In a swift pre-emptive action, Italian law enforcement arrested two armed Turkish nationals in the central Italian city of Viterbo on Wednesday night.
The arrests came mere hours before the Macchina di Santa Rosa festival, a significant event that draws thousands to honor Saint Rosa, the city’s patron saint.
According to Premier Giorgia Meloni, Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi and local police were instrumental in foiling what could have been a security threat.
The festival, marked by a grand procession involving the 'Macchina,' a nearly 5-ton illuminated structure, passed through Viterbo’s historic streets.
Its cancellation or disruption would have dealt a significant social and cultural blow to the community.
The event was attended by notable figures including Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani.
The motive behind the arrests remains unclear, with police in Viterbo refraining from elaborating.
However, this incident underscores heightened security concerns in Italy and Europe, particularly concerning organized crime groups operating across borders.
In recent months, Turkish authorities have been actively clamping down on such activities through coordinated operations with European counterparts.
In April, a major international operation led to the arrest of 234 individuals and the seizure of over 21 tons of drugs, highlighting the scale and gravity of efforts against transnational crime.
The May 2024 raid in Viterbo's Bagnaia district, targeting alleged members of the Turkish mafia, including Ankara’s most-wanted Bariş Boyun, exemplifies the ongoing joint efforts by law enforcement agencies to combat organized crime.
The arrests came mere hours before the Macchina di Santa Rosa festival, a significant event that draws thousands to honor Saint Rosa, the city’s patron saint.
According to Premier Giorgia Meloni, Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi and local police were instrumental in foiling what could have been a security threat.
The festival, marked by a grand procession involving the 'Macchina,' a nearly 5-ton illuminated structure, passed through Viterbo’s historic streets.
Its cancellation or disruption would have dealt a significant social and cultural blow to the community.
The event was attended by notable figures including Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani.
The motive behind the arrests remains unclear, with police in Viterbo refraining from elaborating.
However, this incident underscores heightened security concerns in Italy and Europe, particularly concerning organized crime groups operating across borders.
In recent months, Turkish authorities have been actively clamping down on such activities through coordinated operations with European counterparts.
In April, a major international operation led to the arrest of 234 individuals and the seizure of over 21 tons of drugs, highlighting the scale and gravity of efforts against transnational crime.
The May 2024 raid in Viterbo's Bagnaia district, targeting alleged members of the Turkish mafia, including Ankara’s most-wanted Bariş Boyun, exemplifies the ongoing joint efforts by law enforcement agencies to combat organized crime.
