04.09.2025 22:14
Two Turkish citizens suspected of preparing an attack on the "Macchina di Santa Rosa" festival, held in honor of the city's patron saint Santa Rosa in Italy every September 3rd, were captured and detained with long-barreled weapons. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described the operation as a 'rapid intervention.'
Two Turkish citizens were detained by the police at the guesthouse where they were staying before the traditional "Macchina di Santa Rosa" festival held in the city of Viterbo, Italy. Long-barreled weapons were seized from the suspects. It was reported that an investigation is ongoing against the two detained Turkish citizens and that Italian authorities have increased their security measures against potential threats.
PRIME MINISTER MELONI: ENSURED THE SAFE CELEBRATION OF A UNIQUE EVENT
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated that the operation carried out on Wednesday night was a swift intervention to ensure the safety of the festival. Meloni congratulated Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi and security forces, saying that the detentions ensured the peaceful conduct of the religious event attended by thousands.
ALLEGATION OF "PREPARING AN ATTACK ON THE RELIGIOUS FESTIVAL"
Claims that the suspects were preparing an attack during the celebrations, which would also include Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, were reported in the Italian media. However, the Viterbo police did not make an official statement regarding the details of the operation and possible attack plans.
HELD ANNUALLY ON SEPTEMBER 3 IN MEMORY OF THE CITY'S PATRON SAINT 'SANTA ROSA'
The "Macchina di Santa Rosa" festival, celebrated every year on September 3, is held in memory of the city's patron saint, Santa Rosa. In the most striking moment of the event, a group of 100 people called "Facchini di Santa Rosa" carries a giant structure weighing approximately five tons, adorned with lights, through the narrow medieval streets of Viterbo. The festival attracts significant interest not only from locals but also from tourists.
INCREASING SECURITY COOPERATION BETWEEN TURKEY AND EUROPE
In the background of the incident, the increasing security cooperation between Turkish and European authorities in recent times draws attention. International operations targeting Turkish criminal organizations have intensified in recent months. In April, simultaneous raids were conducted in Turkey and several European countries, resulting in the detention of 234 individuals on charges of drug trafficking and money laundering. More than 21 tons of drugs were seized in these operations.
BARIŞ BOYUN WAS ALSO CAPTURED IN ITALY
In this context, in May 2024, during an operation jointly conducted by the Italian police and Interpol, Barış Boyun, one of Turkey's most wanted individuals and alleged mafia leader, was captured in a raid on an apartment in the Bagnaia district of Viterbo.