Italian Army marks 18th anniversary of 'Strade Sicure' security operation

On August 4, 2026, the Italian Army commemorated the anniversary of Operation “Strade Sicure,” a security mission it has conducted continuously since August 4 2008. Responsibility for the operation in the regions of Puglia and Basilicata is currently held by the 21st Artillery Regiment “Trieste,” based in Foggia.

Since taking charge, the regiment, working alongside local police forces, has identified more than 23,600 individuals, inspected roughly 4,000 vehicles and carried out 140 patrol activities. Soldiers maintain a constant presence at major road and railway junctions, places of worship, cultural sites and densely populated urban areas, contributing to internal security and public order in the two southern Italian regions.