Soldiers patrol Milan streets as shops board up ahead of protests

Updated: 24/10/2026 - 14:06 GMT+2

Italian soldiers and police are patrolling Milan as the city prepares for fresh protests on Saturday, a week after clashes and looting hit the fashion and finance capital.

Authorities have deployed an additional 500 soldiers to support existing security forces, while shops, including luxury boutiques and major retailers, have boarded up their windows amid fears of further violence.

Security measures include surveillance drones, checks at railway stations and rapid-response units. Officials are concerned that protesters could move into other neighbourhoods to avoid heavily policed areas.