Yellow Vests alert in France: Soldiers to be deployed for October 24 protests

The government has announced that the number of police officers will be increased for the October 24 Yellow Vests demonstrations and that soldiers from Operation Sentinelle will be deployed at specific locations.

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Yellow Vests alert in France: Soldiers to be deployed for October 24 protests

Protests that began with calls to revive the Yellow Vests movement in France have led the government to increase security measures ahead of new demonstrations planned for October 24. As actions fueled by reactions to the cost of living, high fuel prices, and problems in the education system spread across the country, a security alert has been raised in many cities, particularly in Paris.

Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu announced that intensive measures will be taken for the demonstrations expected to take place nationwide on October 24. Stating that partial curfews implemented in some regions will continue, Lecornu emphasized that they do not want shops to be looted again.

A protest scene where a police officer is intervening with people on the ground at night. — A large number of people were detained during previous protests in France.

Lecornu recalled that control was lost from time to time in some cities during the protests on October 17. The Prime Minister said that insurgent groups were not allowed to advance toward the Elysee Palace and the Prime Minister's office.

A protest area in a street in France where burning bicycles and thick black smoke are visible. — Fires broke out in some spots during the protests, and public order was seriously affected.

Interior Minister Laurent Nunez also announced that the number of police officers and security resources to be deployed on October 24 will be increased. Nunez stated that it is planned to deploy soldiers serving in the counter-terrorism operation called Sentinelle to secure certain points in place of law enforcement officers.

An image of riot police waiting on a street with burning barricades. — French police served in areas where fires broke out during previous protests.

SENTINELLE SOLDIERS WILL BE DEPLOYED AT SPECIFIC POINTS

The deployment of Sentinelle soldiers aims to ease the burden on law enforcement in protest areas and ensure the security of strategic points. The government's decision comes after the violent incidents that occurred on October 17.

A close-up image of a soldier in camouflage uniform standing guard with his weapon. — Soldiers serving in Operation Sentinelle are planned to provide security support at specific points.

Nunez also responded to allegations that he asked intelligence units to blame the leftist La France Insoumise (LFI) party for the violent incidents that occurred over the weekend. The Interior Minister denied this accusation and used the following expression:

“You accused the Interior Minister of manipulating intelligence units to direct them against LFI. This is a lie. The intelligence units in this country do not work against opposition parties.”
— French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez

A street scene where police and a person on a bicycle are visible while flames burn in the background. — There were points during the protests where police teams and protesters faced off.

However, Nunez accused LFI of "adding fuel to the fire" and argued that the party also had a share in the serious incidents on October 17.

Silhouettes of masked protesters gathered in front of a large flame. — Large fires and security interventions were on the agenda during the October 17 actions.

The Yellow Vests, supported by students, held demonstrations across the country on October 17 against the cost of living and high fuel prices. Approximately 2,500 people were detained in these actions; more than 1,000 police officers, gendarmes, and firefighters were injured.

Approximately 3,000 businesses were damaged or looted during the protests where violent incidents occurred. The government decided to implement partial curfews in some regions, particularly in Paris, Lille, Lyon, and Nice, to prevent possible new actions.