Military-style attack hits Italy during Winter Olympics, gang blows up truck on highway—what we know as video goes viral

What unfolded on a southern Italian highway early Monday looked more like a scene from an action film than a real-world crime. Armed robbers ambushed an armored cash truck in a highly coordinated operation involving explosives, gunfire, and burning vehicles. Drivers were left stranded as the highway turned into chaos.


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The dramatic heist took place in the early morning hours along the main highway connecting Brindisi and Lecce in southern Italy. Near the town of Tuturano, an armored cash-in-transit van carrying a large amount of money was targeted in what authorities later described as a meticulously planned assault, as per a report by Sky TG24.

The criminal group, believed to include at least 6 individuals, blocked both directions of the highway using multiple stolen vehicles. These cars were deliberately set on fire, forming what witnesses described as a “wall of flames” that brought traffic to a complete standstill and prevented police patrols from reaching the scene.

Viral video footage later shared online showed thick black smoke rising from the highway as explosions rocked the armored vehicle. The SS613 highway was instantly transformed into a dangerous and chaotic scene, with civilian drivers trapped nearby as events unfolded, as per a report by Sky TG24.


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Who were the armed robbers behind the attack?

According to investigators, the gang appeared to pose as security escorts before launching the assault. The suspects were reportedly dressed in black and white jumpsuits and wore masks to conceal their identities. Armed with Kalashnikov rifles and shotguns, they fired multiple rounds during the robbery, both to intimidate the cash truck’s guards and to keep onlookers at a distance.

The group used military-grade explosives to blow open the rear doors of the armored van and breach its reinforced safe. Witnesses reported a powerful explosion, followed by sustained gunfire. Despite the violence of the attack, no fatalities were reported among security staff or civilians.

Initial estimates suggest the robbers escaped with a significant sum of cash, though the exact amount remains under verification by the security company involved.

What is known about the police response?

After seizing the cash, the gang fled the scene in high-powered vehicles, heading toward the countryside near Squinzano in the province of Lecce. To delay pursuit, they scattered metal spikes across the asphalt, shredding the tyres of any vehicles attempting to follow.

Police immediately launched a large-scale manhunt, deploying helicopters and ground units across the Salento area. Despite the rapid response, the suspects managed to disappear into rural backroads. Authorities later confirmed that at least two suspects have been caught so far, while others remain on the run, as per a report by Wanted in Rome and Sky TG24.

The highway was shut down for several hours as forensic teams examined the scene and firefighters cleared the burned-out vehicles used in the blockade. Weapons and stolen cars were left behind during the escape.

Police described Monday’s attack as a “military-style operation,” and travellers in the Puglia region have been warned to expect increased patrols and checkpoints in the coming days, as per a report by Wanted in Rome.


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FAQs

Were there any injuries during the cash truck heist?
No fatalities were reported among security guards or civilians despite the explosion and gunfire.

Have the suspects been arrested?
Police confirmed two suspects have been caught so far, while others are still being sought.