Italian cities on alert for weekend protests; Bari raids target minors over planned looting

Italy is on high alert in Milan, Rome, and Turin ahead of weekend protests following last week's urban guerrilla violence in Milan involving hooded youth gangs, many of them minors. Police conducted searches in 18 cities targeting around 100 people, including 51 minors, identified in the serious disorders. In Bari, police carried out dawn raids and interrogations across the province, suspecting a large group of young people planned to loot high-fashion, sports, and electronics stores in the city center, inspired by Milan's events. Investigators allege crimes including incitement to commit devastation and looting with terrorist intent, plus weapons and explosives possession, with organizers monitored on social media. Authorities say the youths were preparing to obtain weapons, explosives, and burglary tools, possibly to use against police. Luxury shops on Milan's Via Monte Napoleone are installing plywood panels on windows, while security sources note initial attempts by veteran antagonists and anarchists to join the new protesters, with tomorrow's demonstrations seen as a test for potential alliances.