Around 130 people were arrested on Tuesday in a large-scale sting against the Sicilian mafia in Palermo, indicating that it has remained a significant criminal force despite setbacks in recent decades.

Scores of people suspected of being affiliated with the resurgent mob were arrested Tuesday during overnight raids in Palermo and the surrounding area.

Italian police have launched a series of raids targeting Mafia clans operating in and around the Sicilian capital Palermo. More than 1,2000 officers were involved in the operation, which the military Carabinieri force said was aimed at "dismantling" the area's Mafia.