New Caledonia. France sends 600 more security forces
French authorities announced Saturday night the sending of 600 more security forces to New Caledonia to regain control of a road linking the capital of the overseas territory to the airport.
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Mundo Nova Caledónia
"The French interior minister, Gérald Darmanin, said a "major operation" involving more than 600 personnel, including 100 from the elite GIGN police and paramilitary unit, was being launched.
In a message posted on the social media network X (formerly Twitter), he said the aim of the operation was to "take back full control of the 60-kilometre (37-mile) main road between [the capital] Noumea and the airport" and to "re-establish republican order".
The announcement came three days after 1,000 French security forces arrived on the Pacific island to quell unrest that has left five people dead and led to 200 arrests.
French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal said Thursday that more than 1,700 paramilitary police were now on the territory.
The violence in New Caledonia escalated on Monday after the presentation of a new bill adopted in Paris that would allow French residents who have lived in the archipelago for at least 10 years to vote in local elections.
Local political leaders fear the move would dilute the power of the indigenous Kanak people.
Read Also: Deadly violence prevents passage of the Olympic flame in New Caledonia (Portuguese version)
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