Two Armed Turks Arrested Before Viterbo Procession:

Viterbo: Premier Giorgia Meloni congratulated Italy’s police on Thursday after two armed Turkish men were arrested in Viterbo on Wednesday shortly before the city’s famous Macchina di Santa Rosa procession, ensuring the event could take place safely. The men were arrested in a bed and breakfast in the city and were in possession of automatic rifles, sources said.

According to Ansa News Agency, the possibility that the men were involved in an arms-trafficking ring is the main line of investigation, although the hypothesis of a possible terrorist attack has not been excluded so far. The case could be related to that of a Turkish mobster who was arrested in Viterbo a few days ago.

Premier Meloni expressed her gratitude towards the police and Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi for their prompt intervention. “Congratulations to the police and Interior Minister (Matteo) Piantedosi for their prompt intervention that led to the arrest of two armed Turkish citizens in Viterbo, just hours before the Macchina di Santa Rosa festival,” Meloni said on social media.

Meloni highlighted the importance of the operation, stating that it was crucial in allowing the safe celebration of the Macchina di Santa Rosa. The event is recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity and represents a centuries-old tradition deeply felt by the people of Viterbo and many Italians.