Highway Firestorm Unfolds
A dramatic scene unfolded on the SS613 highway, a key route connecting Brindisi and Lecce in southern Italy, as an armed group executed a sophisticated
ambush on a cash-in-transit vehicle. The attackers, believed to be at least six individuals, strategically positioned stolen vehicles across both lanes of the highway. These vehicles were then set ablaze, creating an impenetrable "wall of flames" that effectively halted all traffic and served as a formidable barrier against any immediate police response. The intense fire and thick black smoke billowing from the highway were captured in viral videos, showcasing the sheer audacity of the operation. Motorists found themselves stranded, witnessing firsthand the escalating chaos. The use of explosives was evident, with powerful detonations heard and seen tearing into the armoured cash truck, highlighting the significant firepower wielded by the perpetrators. This carefully orchestrated blockade ensured that any potential pursuit by law enforcement would be significantly delayed, allowing the criminals ample time to execute their plan and make their escape.
Elaborate Tactics Employed
The robbers meticulously planned every aspect of their assault, employing tactics reminiscent of military operations. Initial reports suggest the attackers may have initially disguised themselves as security personnel, adding a layer of deception to their scheme. Clad in matching black-and-white jumpsuits and masks, they brandished Kalashnikov rifles and shotguns, firing them to intimidate the security guards escorting the cash van and to keep any curious bystanders at bay. The primary objective of gaining access to the armoured vehicle was achieved through the use of potent, military-grade explosives. These powerful devices were strategically deployed to breach the rear of the van and crack its reinforced safe. The ensuing explosion was followed by further bursts of gunfire, underscoring the violent nature of the robbery. Remarkably, despite the ferocity of the attack, no security guards or civilians sustained fatal injuries. The gang successfully absconded with a substantial, though as yet undetermined, amount of cash.
Escape and Pursuit
Following the successful execution of the heist, the perpetrators fled the scene in high-performance vehicles, making their way towards the countryside near Squinzano in the Lecce province. To further impede any immediate pursuit, they strategically scattered metal spikes across the roadway. This tactic effectively punctured the tires of any vehicles, including law enforcement, that attempted to follow, significantly slowing down the chase. A massive manhunt was subsequently launched, deploying both aerial units with helicopters and numerous ground patrols across the entire Salento region. Despite these extensive efforts, the suspects managed to evade capture, utilizing the intricate network of narrow rural routes to disappear. Authorities later confirmed the arrest of at least two individuals, though others remain at large. The highway remained inaccessible for several hours as emergency services worked to clear the burnt vehicles and forensic teams meticulously examined the scene for evidence. During the investigation, police reportedly recovered abandoned weapons and some of the stolen vehicles used in the robbery. Officials have described the incident as a "military-style operation" and have cautioned residents and travellers in the Puglia region to anticipate an increased security presence, with more patrols and checkpoints expected in the coming days.
