Troops deployed to violent protests in Italy... 500 troops deployed to Milan

The Italian government plans to deploy military forces to respond to the violent and looting protests that occurred in Milan.

According to the local daily Corriere della Sera on the 20th (local time), the Italian government decided to deploy 500 military troops to ensure the safety of Milan.

It is reported that Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni held an emergency response meeting on this day and made this decision. The government plans to promulgate related laws soon.

Corriere della Sera reported that “the government’s plan to immediately deploy additional military forces to Milan by strengthening the ‘Safe Streets’ operation is confirmed.” Local media analyzed that this operation is meaningful in that the Ministry of National Defense participates in efforts to strengthen security as the military is deployed to the scene together with the police.

It is reported that the government is also considering assigning additional roles and missions to deployed troops.

A plan to ban traffic in some areas of the city center is also being considered. A measure is being discussed to expand preventive detention, which involves confining dangerous people who may commit crimes to police stations in advance, from adults to youth under the age of 18. Last weekend, 80% of those arrested on charges of property damage and other charges were minors.

Last weekend, anti-government protests in Milan against rising prices and deteriorating public services degenerated into violence and looting, with more than 200 people arrested by police. The day before, most stores in central Milan installed screens on their display windows and closed early.

Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto said, "These violent and looting protests are a kind of hybrid war waged against the state through non-traditional means such as social media."

As truck drivers continue to protest against increased fuel prices, distribution of daily necessities is being disrupted. Local pasta manufacturer Rummo announced on this day that it had stopped producing pasta due to a shortage of raw materials.