Milan rioting the result of 'hybrid war' says Defence Minister Crosetto

Milan rioting the result of 'hybrid war' says Defence Minister Crosetto

(ANSA) - ROME, 20 OTT - Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said Tuesday last weekend's rioting by youths in Milan and other parts the country was the result of a "hybrid war" that is being waged against the West. "The events in Milan and elsewhere in Italy are fundamentally different from those seen in other eras; they are the product of what I call 'hybrid warfare'—a form of conflict being waged against our nations through unconventional tools like TikTok, social media, and YouTube," Crosetto said as he addressed a Defence Procurement Forum in Rome "The West has yet to realize this or take any meaningful action in response. "If three out of every 10 young people took part in these demonstrations—and I am not just referring to 'maranza' (youth gangs) or second-generation Italians—and if six out of 10 agree with these sentiments, it is because they have been subjected to a 'counter-education' from somewhere—not from their families or schools. "This has instilled in them values, ambitions, a worldview, and points of reference that stand in direct conflict with the society we live in and with our democratic rules". Groups of youths swarming around shops and supermarkets, smashing windows and going on ransacking-and-looting rampages before quickly dispersing caused around a billion euros in damage at the weekend, according to retail association Confcommercio. Amid fears of further property damage, many of the stores in Milan's high-fashion district stayed closed Monday. The youths also clashed with police, hurling stones, bottles and flares at them, injuring 14. Over 270 people were detained and 80% of them were minors. (ANSA). Read article...