Italy sends 500 soldiers to Milan after weekend protests and looting

Italy's government will send 500 soldiers to Milan following weekend protests marked by looting and clashes with police over rising living costs. The decision came Tuesday after an emergency security meeting chaired by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The deployment aims to strengthen security and counter violence described as "urban guerrilla warfare," according to Deputy Defense Minister Isabella Rauti. Authorities are also considering a decree granting soldiers police powers for three months, extending preventive detention to 24 hours, and imposing up to five years in prison and fines of 15,000 euros for property damage by groups of five or more. Protests began October 17, echoing demonstrations in France, with hundreds ransacking stores and throwing incendiary devices. Police reported 271 detentions, including 23 minors among 32 arrests. Luxury brands like Chanel and Dior removed products from display windows as a precaution.