Using armored vehicles and backhoes to shove aside charred barricades, French security forces worked Sunday to retake control of the highway to the international airport in violence-scorched New Caledonia, shuttered because of deadly unrest wracking the French Pacific archipelago where indigenous people have long sought independence from France.
An eventual reopening of the Nouméa-La Tontouta airport to commercial flights could allow stranded tourists to escape the island where armed clashes, arson, looting and other mayhem have prompted France to impose a state of emergency. The airport, with routes to Australia, Singapore, New Zealand and other destinations, closed Tuesday as protests against voting reforms opposed by pro-independence supporters degenerated into widespread violence, leaving a vast trail of destruction.
French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin, posting on social media platform X, said the “major operation” was “aimed at fully regaining control” of the RT1 highway between the capital, Nouméa, and the airport 60 kilometers (nearly 40 miles) to the northwest. He said more than 600 gendarmes were deployed. The number spoke to the difficulty of clearing roads of charred debris and barricades erected by pro-independence demonstrators and residents who have banded together to try to protect homes and livelihoods against rioters and looters.
Israeli airstrikes near city of Aleppo kills several people, Syrian state media say
Leverkusen and coach Alonso accept their first loss, now must lift themselves for German cup final
Iran's president Raisi, FM die in helicopter crash: state TV
North Carolina House pauses passage of bill that would ban masking for health reasons
Real Madrid win lifts Shakhtar into next Champions League. Dortmund loss means Eintracht miss out
Super Bowl champion Chiefs dive into voluntary workouts amid an offseason full of distractions
Luzardo throws eight scoreless innings and Chisholm homers as Marlins shut out Brewers 1
Another Michigan dairy worker has bird flu, the third US case this year
Saints and Superdome commission at odds over renovation payments with the Super Bowl on the horizon