Brief
France deploys troops to Paris as riots continue after weekend unrest
Troops were dispatched to Paris on Oct. 21 to support police after weekend riots left stores looted and curfews in place.
By Felo News Desk · Published
On Oct. 21, 2026, French troops were deployed to reinforce police in Paris as the city dealt with the aftermath of weekend riots, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.
What happened
The riots, which began over the weekend, saw masked groups looting stores, setting cars ablaze and vandalising the statue of Equality at Place de la République. Curfews introduced earlier in the week helped police regain control of key areas on Saturday and Sunday, but damage continued into Tuesday. Business owners around Place de la République reported smashed windows, burnt cars and debris, while some stores installed timber sheets to protect against further looting.
What the reports add
The article notes that rare Pokémon cards priced up to €3,000 were specifically targeted, suggesting looters knew the value of certain merchandise. It also mentions that stores selling high‑end clothing brands such as Lacoste, Tommy Hilfiger, New Balance and Hoka were among those ransacked, while a neighboring manga shop with cheaper items escaped looting. Police in Limoges identified a suspect in an arson attack on the historic town hall as a member of an “ultra‑left” group on a security watch‑list. The report adds that fresh protests are planned for the coming Saturday by left‑wing groups linked to the 2018 “yellow vest” movement, and that riots have spread to other cities, including Marseille.
What was said
Kevin, a manga‑store owner on Rue Voltaire, told the outlet that his shop was targeted because of its valuable Pokémon cards and that police had ignored his calls for assistance on Saturday night. He said, “It’s not over,” and added, “It’s too easy for them,” referring to the looters.
How it came about
The unrest follows a series of curfews imposed across France after more than 2,400 arrests and hundreds of police injuries during the weekend protests, as reported in earlier Felo News coverage (France imposes local curfews after weekend riots and looting). The curfews were intended to curb the violence that erupted amid debates over social cohesion and the cost of living, a theme echoed in the current protests.
Key facts
- French troops were sent to Paris on Oct. 21 to support police after weekend riots (smh.com.au)
- Rare Pokémon cards worth up to €3,000 were specifically targeted in looting (smh.com.au)
- A suspect in the Limoges town‑hall arson was linked to an ultra‑left group (smh.com.au)
- New protests are planned for Saturday by groups tied to the 2018 yellow‑vest movement (smh.com.au)
Sources
- [1] smh.com.au — originally reported as “Paris riots: France sends in troops as city simmers in aftermath of riots”
