The U.S. Embassy in France issued a security alert on Oct. 19 urging citizens living in the country to avoid demonstration areas as anti-government protests turned violent.
The French government has imposed partial curfews in several cities, including Lille and parts of Paris, in response to ongoing protests that began on Oct. 17. The alert said more curfews were possible as scattered protests continued.
The alert advised U.S. citizens to exercise caution if they unexpectedly find themselves in the vicinity of large gatherings, and to verify flight schedules with their carriers.
Nearly 2,400 people have been arrested in protests across France that involved looting, fires, and clashes with security officers. France has mobilized 60,000 police and other security forces to maintain order. …