Italy to Deploy Hundreds of Soldiers in Milan After Violent Protests

Italy will deploy several hundred soldiers in Milan to strengthen security amid protests that escalated into street clashes. The decision follows an emergency security meeting chaired by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Monday, October 19, 2026. The ruling party Brothers of Italy announced the deployment of 500 troops, with a new decree-law to be considered by the Council of Ministers to further combat violence. Police have detained over 200 people during the second day of protests in Milan. The unrest occurred over the weekend of October 17-18 in Milan and other northern cities, with authorities also discussing a possible curfew. Separately, workers from the former Ilva steel plant held a protest at Genoa airport.