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Dramatic Armoured Van Heist Shocks Southern Italy
Puglia, Italy — February 9, 2026 — A highly coordinated and military-style robbery attempt on an armoured cash van along a busy highway in southern Italy unfolded on Monday, leaving drivers and residents stunned as explosions, gunfire and burning vehicles turned a major transport route into a scene resembling an action movie.
According to authorities and multiple eyewitness reports, a group of six to ten masked assailants targeted a private armored vehicle transporting cash on the main road between Brindisi and Lecce in the Puglia region shortly before dawn.
Methodical Ambush on a Major Road
The attackers used multiple stolen vehicles to block both lanes of the highway, deliberately setting them on fire to create a barrier of flames that halted traffic in both directions and isolated the cash transport van.
Witnesses captured video footage showing thick smoke rising over the roadway as armed robbers, some carrying assault rifles, emerged and opened fire to intimidate the security guards.
Explosives, Firefight, and Chaos
The gang deployed military-grade explosives to blast open the armored van’s rear doors in an attempt to access the cash inside. The explosion produced a massive cloud of debris and smoke, turning the road into a chaotic scene.
Italian military police — the Carabinieri — responded swiftly. An exchange of gunfire ensued, and one police vehicle was struck during the confrontation. Despite the intensity of the firefight, authorities reported that no fatalities or severe injuries were recorded among officers, security personnel, or motorists passing by.
Failed Heist and Arrests
Thanks to the armored van’s reinforced security and quick law-enforcement response, the attackers failed to seize any money, with the vault remaining intact.
During the chaotic escape, the robbers hijacked vehicles from civilians caught in the blockade, scattering metal spikes behind them to hamper pursuit. Italian police launched a major manhunt, employing helicopter surveillance and ground units across rural backroads of the Salento area.
So far, two suspects have been arrested near Lecce. Authorities believe the remaining members of the gang are still at large and are urging the public to share information or any video evidence to aid the investigation.
Broader Context: A Spike in Highway Robberies
While dramatic, this incident is part of a concerning trend of audacious robberies targeting armored cash vehicles on Italian roadways. In recent months, similar organized assaults have occurred — including attacks that successfully stole cash in other regions — underscoring the sophisticated planning behind such crimes.
Impact on Public Safety and Transport
The highway remained closed for several hours as investigators processed the scene and cleared debris. Motorists reported long delays and distress, with many comparing the spectacle to scenes from Hollywood thrillers.
Officials have emphasised the importance of intelligence-led policing and enhanced security measures for cash-in-transit operations to prevent such high-risk incidents in the future.
Attached is a news article regarding a highway heist robbery in Italy
Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley
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