Italy sends 500 paratroopers to Milan after youth riots

Italy is deploying 500 paratroopers from the elite "Folgore" brigade to Milan following severe youth riots, aiming to enable rapid intervention in public order incidents. Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini announced the measure on Thursday, stating the soldiers will boost security presence in public squares. The paratroopers will be equipped with armored Lince vehicles, drones, and rapid intervention gear, cooperating with other security forces. However, they will not receive police powers after President Sergio Mattarella raised objections. The deployment follows weekend riots where over 300 youths were temporarily arrested in Milan. The government is also expanding juvenile detention capacities by using sections of adult prisons, as Justice Minister Carlo Nordio cited an unprecedented wave of minor arrests. Authorities fear further clashes this weekend, having already approved stricter penalties for violent demonstrators on Tuesday.