Italy prepares for violent protests – and soldiers flood the streets

Italy deploys 500 paratroopers and an additional 700 soldiers in Milan as part of Operation 'Safe Streets' following a wave of looting across Europe. The soldiers began patrols at Piazza del Duomo but faced criticism for lacking police powers.

Italy is deploying military forces in Milan following a wave of violence and looting that swept across Europe last week. 500 soldiers from the Italian paratrooper brigade will join approximately 700 soldiers from other units as part of Operation 'Safe Streets'. The soldiers, who received a briefing at 6:30 AM, were seen roaming Piazza del Duomo alongside tourists. However, the move has drawn criticism in Italy. A local young man said the soldiers cannot do much and that the government has not given them a mandate to make police detentions. According to reports, the soldiers have already begun operating and approached five young men of North African origin at the metro entrance, requested identification, and conducted a search. These actions come against the backdrop of severe looting incidents in France and Spain, where over 100 people were arrested in Barcelona.