Americans warned about Paris travel after violence, looting and tear gas-filled streets
The U.S.
Embassy in France is warning Americans to steer clear of violent protests as unrest sparked curfews and raised concerns about travel disruptions across the country.
The riots — fueled by a range of grievances, including rising living costs and mass migration — have been reported across France, with protests reported in cities including Paris, Lille and Lyon .
Authorities have imposed localized curfews as a result.
The embassy said in a Monday statement that partial curfews had been introduced in several French cities, with additional restrictions possible.
MCDONALD'S RANSACKED AND WRECKED AS STORES, RESTAURANTS SUFFER FROM VIOLENCE AND RIOTING "Following the October 17 protests that turned violent, media report the Prime Minister’s office introduced partial curfews for Monday, October 19 and Tuesday, October 20 in several cities across France, including Lille," the embassy said.
"Media report more curfews may follow for parts of Paris and in prefectures across the country, and that scattered protests could continue." In Paris, authorities also imposed overnight curfews in areas including Place de la République and the Les Halles Shopping District, according to The Associated Press (AP).
Riot police deployed tear gas across the streets near Place de la République in an attempt to disperse crowds during the escalating street battles, the same source reported.
ANGRY LOCALS BLOCK FAMOUS BEACH AS MASS TOURISM PROTESTS ESCALATE AT VACATION HOT SPOT The gas quickly mixed with heavy, acrid smoke from torched vehicles and street fires, according to Reuters.
The chaos forced Dutch entrepreneur Tije De Boer, who was visiting Paris with his children, to evacuate his hotel at Place de la République.
De Boer described the scene to Reuters as "like a war zone" following the intense protests that rocked the French capital on Oct.
17.
"It's like a war zone here," De Boer said, according to the Reuters report.
TOP TOURIST DESTINATION IN THE WORLD SHUTS DOWN AMID VIOLENT PROTESTS Major tourist attractions have also been impacted.
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