The Brazen Ambush
Early Monday morning, the SS613 highway linking Brindisi and Lecce transformed into a battlefield. A heavily armed group orchestrated a sophisticated attack
on an armored cash-in-transit vehicle, their objective clear: to seize its valuable cargo. Authorities later characterized the incident as a meticulously planned operation. Investigators believe at least six individuals were involved, strategically positioning stolen vehicles on both sides of the road. These vehicles were then set ablaze, creating an inferno that eyewitnesses described as a 'wall of flames.' This fiery blockade served a dual purpose: it effectively halted all traffic and, critically, prevented any immediate police response, buying the perpetrators valuable time. Social media platforms were soon flooded with harrowing footage depicting plumes of dark smoke billowing from the highway and the explosive sounds of the armored van being breached. Motorists caught in the vicinity found themselves trapped, witnessing the dramatic escalation of the crime unfold before their eyes.
Tactics and Terror
The robbers employed a chillingly effective combination of intimidation and brute force. Reports suggest the gang may have initially disguised themselves as security personnel, adding a layer of deception to their assault. Clad in distinctive black-and-white jumpsuits and masks, they wielded Kalashnikov rifles and shotguns, unleashing gunfire to instill fear in the guards and deter any onlookers from intervening. The decisive moment of the heist involved the use of powerful, military-grade explosives, strategically detonated to breach the rear of the reinforced armored van and access its secure safe. The thunderous explosion was followed by a barrage of gunfire, underscoring the ferocity of the attack. Remarkably, despite the extreme violence and intensity of the operation, no security personnel or civilians sustained any fatal injuries. While the precise value of the stolen cash remains undetermined, officials have confirmed that a significant sum was successfully taken.
The Escape and Pursuit
Following the successful execution of their heist, the perpetrators made a swift escape in high-performance vehicles, heading towards the rural areas surrounding Squinzano in the Lecce province. To thwart any immediate pursuit, they strategically deployed metal spikes across the roadway, designed to puncture the tires of any vehicles that dared to follow. This diversionary tactic aimed to cripple law enforcement efforts. In response, a large-scale manhunt was initiated, mobilizing both aerial support from helicopters and ground units to sweep across the entire Salento region. Despite the extensive search, the suspects managed to evade capture, disappearing into the labyrinthine network of narrow country lanes. Law enforcement later confirmed that at least two individuals have been apprehended, though others remain at large. The highway remained impassable for several hours as emergency services worked to extinguish the burning vehicles and forensic teams meticulously scoured the scene for evidence. Authorities reported recovering abandoned weapons and some of the stolen vehicles during the operation.
Aftermath and Security
The aftermath of the audacious robbery left the highway closed for an extended period, with firefighters diligently clearing the charred remains of the vehicles and forensic experts meticulously gathering crucial evidence. Law enforcement officials characterized the entire event as a 'military-style operation,' a testament to the level of planning and execution involved. In light of this brazen act, authorities issued warnings to travelers in the Puglia region, anticipating heightened security measures. This includes an increased presence of patrols and the establishment of numerous checkpoints across the area to enhance safety and aid in the ongoing search for the remaining suspects. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the evolving tactics employed by sophisticated criminal organizations.
