French forces deployed to secure New Caledonia

NOUMEA — Hundreds of military and armed police reinforcements had arrived in New Caledonia as part of a massive operation to regain control of the capital Noumea, the top French official in the Pacific Island territory said on Friday.

Extra forces began landing on Thursday at the French army-controlled La Tontouta International Airport and could be seen moving through Noumea in red berets toting rifles, gas masks and riot shields.

The number of police and gendarmes on the island governed by France will rise to 2,700 from 1,700 by Friday evening.