ROME (AP) – Authorities in Italy apprehended two armed men from Turkey in the central city of Viterbo, located near Rome, just hours before a significant local festival, as announced by Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Thursday. The arrests took place on Wednesday night, and Meloni commended the police and Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi for their "swift intervention," which she claimed ensured the safety of the upcoming celebrations.
Reports from Italian media suggested that the two men were suspected of plotting an attack during Viterbo's Macchina di Santa Rosa festival, a religious event that attracts thousands of visitors. Notably, the celebration was also attended by Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani. However, police in Viterbo have not yet provided comments regarding the incidents surrounding the arrests.
The Macchina di Santa Rosa festival is an annual event occurring each year on September 3, dedicated to honoring the city's patron saint, Santa Rosa. The festival's main highlight features the "Facchini di Santa Rosa," a group of porters who carry a massive illuminated structure known as the "Macchina" through the narrow medieval streets of Viterbo. This impressive structure weighs nearly five tons and is a centerpiece of the city's cultural and religious heritage.
In recent months, Turkish authorities have undertaken extensive operations targeting Turkish crime organizations operating abroad, collaborating with European law enforcement. In April, coordinated raids in Turkey and multiple European nations led to the arrest of 234 individuals linked to drug trafficking and money laundering activities. These operations also resulted in the seizure of over 21 tons of illegal drugs, underscoring the scale of the ongoing battle against organized crime.
In a separate incident in May 2024, a dedicated task force comprising Italian law enforcement and Interpol agents conducted a raid in the Viterbo hamlet of Bagnaia. The operation resulted in the arrest of Barış Boyun, an alleged mafia boss from Turkey who is considered one of Ankara's most wanted criminals. This arrest reflects the intensified measures being implemented to dismantle criminal networks operating across national borders.
The swift actions taken by Italian authorities in Viterbo, especially in light of the upcoming festival, highlight the ongoing vigilance against potential threats and the effectiveness of international cooperation in combating crime. As festivities resume, attendees can feel reassured by the proactive measures undertaken by law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety and enjoyment of cultural events in the region.
