Full Breakdown
Armed Gang Executes Daylight Heist on Armored Van in Puglia, Italy
2/11/2026, 6:27:44 AM
Dramatic Daylight Robbery
On February 9, 2026, a group of masked and heavily armed thieves executed a brazen robbery of an armored cash transport vehicle belonging to the Battistolli Group on State Road 613 in Puglia, Italy. The incident unfolded shortly after 8 a.m. local time, as the gang, consisting of at least six members, blocked the highway by setting fire to a van and a truck, creating a fiery barricade. This tactic forced the armored van to stop, allowing the assailants to detonate explosives that blew off the vehicle's doors and roof, resulting in a significant explosion.
The Assault and Aftermath
Footage from the scene captured the chaos as the robbers, some dressed in police-like attire and armed with Kalashnikov rifles, exchanged gunfire with responding Carabinieri units. At least one police vehicle was struck during the shootout, although no serious injuries were reported among law enforcement or civilians. The thieves attempted to loot the van's contents but were thwarted by a foam-based security mechanism that prevented access to the cash. Reports indicate that the gang also robbed other motorists caught in the ambush before fleeing the scene.
Arrests and Ongoing Investigation
Following the robbery, authorities launched a manhunt for the suspects, which led to the arrest of two individuals, aged 38 and 62, near Squinzano. Both were charged with attempted murder, aggravated robbery, and possession of war weapons. The remaining members of the gang are still at large, prompting increased police presence and checkpoints in the region. The Battistolli Group, which has faced 14 similar attacks in the past two years, has called for enhanced security measures to protect its operations.
Official Responses
Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto described the incident as “a bloody incident,” highlighting the violent nature of the attack. Nicola Magno, the Puglia regional secretary general of the Un Arma association, emphasized the risks faced by law enforcement, stating, “The fact that a patrol was hit by gunfire demonstrates the high level of risk to which our officers are exposed daily.” The Battistolli Group expressed solidarity with those affected by the robbery and reiterated the need for concrete action to address the ongoing threat to cash transport services.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While various sources report that the gang was unable to escape with any cash, some accounts suggest that they may have stolen money from other vehicles during the chaos. Additionally, the exact amount of cash the armored van was carrying remains unconfirmed, with estimates suggesting it could be in the millions of euros.
Verbatim Quotes
- “In the last two years, the Battistolli Group has suffered 14 attacks, a situation that requires attention and concrete action,” — Battistolli Group Statement
- “The fact that a patrol was hit by gunfire demonstrates the high level of risk to which our officers are exposed daily,” — Nicola Magno, Puglia Regional Secretary General of Un Arma
This incident underscores the ongoing challenges posed by organized crime in Italy, particularly in regions like Puglia, known for its history of violent robberies targeting cash transport vehicles.
