France: Will quell New Caledonia riots 'whatever the cost'

French security forces are stepping up efforts to regain control of New Caledonia, a French Pacific archipelago, amidst ongoing and deadly unrest. Utilizing armored vehicles and construction equipment, they have dismantled nearly 60 barricades on the critical RT1 highway, which links the capital, Nouméa, to La Tontouta international airport. In this significant operation, over 600 gendarmes have been deployed with the goal of reopening the airport to commercial flights and reestablishing disrupted supply chains.