Highway Blitz
Early Monday morning on the SS613 highway, a meticulously planned operation unfolded as an armored cash-in-transit van was targeted near Tuturano. A gang
of at least six individuals executed a brazen ambush, effectively shutting down both directions of traffic. Their strategy involved strategically positioning stolen vehicles across the road and igniting them, creating a formidable 'wall of flames' that not only halted civilian vehicles but also presented a significant barrier to law enforcement. Social media buzzed with alarming videos depicting plumes of dark smoke rising from the highway, punctuated by the sounds of explosions ripping through the armored vehicle. Motorists caught in the vicinity found themselves in a terrifying standstill as the situation rapidly escalated, transforming a routine commute into a scene of widespread panic and disruption. The sheer audacity and scale of the operation left many stunned.
Tactics and Escape
The assailants, reportedly clad in black-and-white jumpsuits and masks, employed a sophisticated array of tactics to achieve their objective. Initial reports suggest they may have even impersonated security personnel to gain an element of surprise. Wielding Kalashnikov rifles and shotguns, they fired indiscriminately to intimidate the cash truck's guards and deter any onlookers. The core of their assault involved the use of powerful, military-grade explosives, precisely detonated to breach the rear of the heavily armored van and access its reinforced safe. Following the loud explosions and bursts of gunfire, the robbers managed to escape with a substantial, though as yet undisclosed, amount of cash. Their getaway was executed in high-performance vehicles, heading towards the rural areas near Squinzano. To further impede any immediate pursuit, they strategically scattered metal spikes across the roadway, disabling any vehicles that dared to follow.
Manhunt and Aftermath
In the wake of the daring heist, a massive manhunt was initiated across the Salento region, involving both aerial surveillance via helicopters and extensive ground units. Despite these formidable efforts, the suspects managed to evade capture, disappearing into the intricate network of narrow country lanes. Authorities confirmed that at least two individuals have been apprehended, though a significant portion of the gang remains at large. The highway was cordoned off for several hours as emergency services worked to clear the burnt-out vehicles and forensic teams meticulously examined the scene for evidence. During the operation, police reportedly recovered abandoned weaponry and some of the stolen vehicles used in the robbery. The authorities have characterized the event as a 'military-style operation,' prompting heightened security measures, increased patrols, and the establishment of checkpoints throughout the Puglia region to ensure public safety and aid in the ongoing search for the remaining perpetrators.
