Syrian Leader Ahmed Al-Shara, or Abu Muhammad Al-Jolani - Damascus

Syrian Leader Ahmed Al-Shara, or Abu Muhammad Al-Jolani - Damascus

HTS (Hayaat Tahrir Al Sham) leader Ahmed Al-Shara, also known as Abu Muhammad Al-Jolani, commander in the operations department of the Syrian armed opposition seen at the Citadel of Aleppo, Syria, on December 1st, 2024. Photo by Balkis Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Syrian Leader Ahmed Al-Shara, or Abu Muhammad Al-Jolani - Damascus

Syrian Leader Ahmed Al-Shara, or Abu Muhammad Al-Jolani - Damascus

HTS (Hayaat Tahrir Al Sham) leader Ahmed Al-Shara, also known as Abu Muhammad Al-Jolani, commander in the operations department of the Syrian armed opposition delivering a speech inside the Great Umayyad Mosque after his troops declared their entry into the capital and the overthrow of Bashar Al-Assad, in Damascus, Syria, on December 8, 2024. Photo by Balkis Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Syrian Leader Ahmed Al-Shara, or Abu Muhammad Al-Jolani - Damascus

Syrian Leader Ahmed Al-Shara, or Abu Muhammad Al-Jolani - Damascus

HTS (Hayaat Tahrir Al Sham) leader Ahmed Al-Shara, also known as Abu Muhammad Al-Jolani, commander in the operations department of the Syrian armed opposition delivering a speech inside the Great Umayyad Mosque after his troops declared their entry into the capital and the overthrow of Bashar Al-Assad, in Damascus, Syria, on December 8, 2024. Photo by Balkis Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Syrian Leader Ahmed Al-Shara, or Abu Muhammad Al-Jolani - Damascus

Syrian Leader Ahmed Al-Shara, or Abu Muhammad Al-Jolani - Damascus

HTS (Hayaat Tahrir Al Sham) leader Ahmed Al-Shara, also known as Abu Muhammad Al-Jolani, commander in the operations department of the Syrian armed opposition delivering a speech inside the Great Umayyad Mosque after his troops declared their entry into the capital and the overthrow of Bashar Al-Assad, in Damascus, Syria, on December 8, 2024. Photo by Balkis Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Syrian Leader Ahmed Al-Shara, or Abu Muhammad Al-Jolani - Damascus

Syrian Leader Ahmed Al-Shara, or Abu Muhammad Al-Jolani - Damascus

HTS (Hayaat Tahrir Al Sham) leader Ahmed Al-Shara, also known as Abu Muhammad Al-Jolani, commander in the operations department of the Syrian armed opposition watching Damascus from the Mount Qassyun, overlooking the capital after the overthrow of Bashar Al-Assad, in Damascus, Syria, on December 8, 2024. Photo by Balkis Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Syrian Leader Ahmed Al-Shara, or Abu Muhammad Al-Jolani - Damascus

Syrian Leader Ahmed Al-Shara, or Abu Muhammad Al-Jolani - Damascus

HTS (Hayaat Tahrir Al Sham) leader Ahmed Al-Shara, also known as Abu Muhammad Al-Jolani, commander in the operations department of the Syrian armed opposition praying inside the Great Umayyad Mosque after his troops declared their entry into the capital and the overthrow of Bashar Al-Assad, in Damascus, Syria, on December 8, 2024. Photo by Balkis Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Assad Regime Ends As Rebels Claim Damascus - Syria

Assad Regime Ends As Rebels Claim Damascus - Syria

This photo taken on December 8, 2024 shows thick smoke after an explosion in Damascus, Syria. Syrian armed opposition forces seized full control of Damascus on Sunday, ending over five decades of the Assad family rule. Russia's Foreign Ministry issued a statement saying Syrian President Bashar al-Assad had "decided to leave the presidential post and left the country, giving instructions to transfer power peacefully." Photo by Monsef Memari/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Assad Regime Ends As Rebels Claim Damascus - Syria

Assad Regime Ends As Rebels Claim Damascus - Syria

This photo taken on December 8, 2024 shows rebel fighters in Damascus, Syria. Syrian armed opposition forces seized full control of Damascus on Sunday, ending over five decades of the Assad family rule. Russia's Foreign Ministry issued a statement saying Syrian President Bashar al-Assad had "decided to leave the presidential post and left the country, giving instructions to transfer power peacefully." Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Assad Regime Ends As Rebels Claim Damascus - Syria

Assad Regime Ends As Rebels Claim Damascus - Syria

Syrian people gather in Damascus, Syria, December 8, 2024. Syrian armed opposition forces seized full control of Damascus on Sunday, ending over five decades of the Assad family rule. Russia's Foreign Ministry issued a statement saying Syrian President Bashar al-Assad had "decided to leave the presidential post and left the country, giving instructions to transfer power peacefully." Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Assad Regime Ends As Rebels Claim Damascus - Syria

Assad Regime Ends As Rebels Claim Damascus - Syria

This photo taken on December 8, 2024 shows thick smoke after an explosion in Damascus, Syria. Syrian armed opposition forces seized full control of Damascus on Sunday, ending over five decades of the Assad family rule. Russia's Foreign Ministry issued a statement saying Syrian President Bashar al-Assad had "decided to leave the presidential post and left the country, giving instructions to transfer power peacefully." Photo by Monsef Memari/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Assad Regime Ends As Rebels Claim Damascus - Syria

Assad Regime Ends As Rebels Claim Damascus - Syria

Syrian people gather in Damascus, Syria, December 8, 2024. Syrian armed opposition forces seized full control of Damascus on Sunday, ending over five decades of the Assad family rule. Russia's Foreign Ministry issued a statement saying Syrian President Bashar al-Assad had "decided to leave the presidential post and left the country, giving instructions to transfer power peacefully." Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Assad Regime Ends As Rebels Claim Damascus - Syria

Assad Regime Ends As Rebels Claim Damascus - Syria

This photo taken on December 8, 2024 shows thick smoke after an explosion in Damascus, Syria. Syrian armed opposition forces seized full control of Damascus on Sunday, ending over five decades of the Assad family rule. Russia's Foreign Ministry issued a statement saying Syrian President Bashar al-Assad had "decided to leave the presidential post and left the country, giving instructions to transfer power peacefully." Photo by Monsef Memari/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Assad Regime Ends As Rebels Claim Damascus - Syria

Assad Regime Ends As Rebels Claim Damascus - Syria

This photo taken on December 8, 2024 shows rebel fighters in Damascus, Syria. Syrian armed opposition forces seized full control of Damascus on Sunday, ending over five decades of the Assad family rule. Russia's Foreign Ministry issued a statement saying Syrian President Bashar al-Assad had "decided to leave the presidential post and left the country, giving instructions to transfer power peacefully." Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Assad Regime Ends As Rebels Claim Damascus - Syria

Assad Regime Ends As Rebels Claim Damascus - Syria

This photo taken on December 8, 2024 shows the interior of the Iranian Embassy in Damascus, Syria. Syrian armed opposition forces seized full control of Damascus on Sunday, ending over five decades of the Assad family rule. Russia's Foreign Ministry issued a statement saying Syrian President Bashar al-Assad had "decided to leave the presidential post and left the country, giving instructions to transfer power peacefully." The Iranian embassy in Damascus was stormed by armed militants. Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Assad Regime Ends As Rebels Claim Damascus - Syria

Assad Regime Ends As Rebels Claim Damascus - Syria

Armed militants gather outside the Iranian embassy in Damascus, Syria, December 8, 2024. Syrian armed opposition forces seized full control of Damascus on Sunday, ending over five decades of the Assad family rule. Russia's Foreign Ministry issued a statement saying Syrian President Bashar al-Assad had "decided to leave the presidential post and left the country, giving instructions to transfer power peacefully." The Iranian embassy in Damascus was stormed by armed militants. Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Abu Mohammed al-Jolani Leader Of Syrian Insurgents HTS

Abu Mohammed al-Jolani Leader Of Syrian Insurgents HTS

HTS (Hayaat Tahrir Al Sham) leader Ahmed Al-Shara, also known as Abu Muhammad Al-Jolani (center), commander in the operations department of the Syrian armed opposition seen leading the Military Operations Management, checking operations in the North of Syria, ten days before his troops enter the capital and the overthrow of Bashar Al-Assad, in northern Syria, on November 28, 2024. Photo by Balkis Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Abu Mohammed al-Jolani Leader Of Syrian Insurgents HTS

Abu Mohammed al-Jolani Leader Of Syrian Insurgents HTS

HTS (Hayaat Tahrir Al Sham) leader Ahmed Al-Shara, also known as Abu Muhammad Al-Jolani, commander in the operations department of the Syrian armed opposition seen leading the Military Operations Management, checking operations in the North of Syria, ten days before his troops enter the capital and the overthrow of Bashar Al-Assad, in northern Syria, on November 28, 2024. Photo by Balkis Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Abu Mohammed al-Jolani Leader Of Syrian Insurgents HTS

Abu Mohammed al-Jolani Leader Of Syrian Insurgents HTS

HTS (Hayaat Tahrir Al Sham) leader Ahmed Al-Shara, also known as Abu Muhammad Al-Jolani, commander in the operations department of the Syrian armed opposition, delivers a speech from inside the Umayyad Mosque after his troops declared their entry into the capital and the overthrow of Bashar Al-Assad, in Damascus, Syria, on December 8, 2024. Photo by Balkis Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Abu Mohammed al-Jolani Leader Of Syrian Insurgents HTS

Abu Mohammed al-Jolani Leader Of Syrian Insurgents HTS

HTS (Hayaat Tahrir Al Sham) leader Ahmed Al-Shara, also known as Abu Muhammad Al-Jolani, commander in the operations department of the Syrian armed opposition seen leading the Military Operations Management, checking operations in the North of Syria, ten days before his troops enter the capital and the overthrow of Bashar Al-Assad, in northern Syria, on November 28, 2024. Photo by Balkis Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Abu Mohammed al-Jolani Leader Of Syrian Insurgents HTS

Abu Mohammed al-Jolani Leader Of Syrian Insurgents HTS

HTS (Hayaat Tahrir Al Sham) leader Ahmed Al-Shara, also known as Abu Muhammad Al-Jolani, commander in the operations department of the Syrian armed opposition, delivers a speech from inside the Umayyad Mosque after his troops declared their entry into the capital and the overthrow of Bashar Al-Assad, in Damascus, Syria, on December 8, 2024. Photo by Balkis Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

SYRIAN ARMED FORCES, RECEIVES FORMER LEBANESE PRIME MINISTER AND OPPOSITION LEADER RAFIC HARIRI, WHO CAME TO DAMASCUS TO PRESENT

SYRIAN ARMED FORCES, RECEIVES FORMER LEBANESE PRIME MINISTER AND OPPOSITION LEADER RAFIC HARIRI, WHO CAME TO DAMASCUS TO PRESENT

In just over ten days, Syrian rebels have taken control of Syria's main cities, including the capital Damascus on Saturday night. President Bashar al-Assad, in power since 2000, has fled the country, according to Russia - FILE - Picture of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, killed on February 14, 2005 in a car blast in downtown Beirut. Rafik Hariri with Syrian president Bashar Al Assad in Damascus on june 11, 2000. Photo by Balkis Press/ABACA.

Pro-Palestine Demonstrations in Bogota

Pro-Palestine Demonstrations in Bogota

Demonstrators take part in a demonstration in support of Palestine on June 4, 2024 in Bogota, Colombia. Photo by: Sebastian Barros/Long Visual Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pro-Palestine Demonstrations in Bogota

Pro-Palestine Demonstrations in Bogota

Demonstrators take part in a demonstration in support of Palestine on June 4, 2024 in Bogota, Colombia. Photo by: Sebastian Barros/Long Visual Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pro-Palestine Demonstrations in Bogota

Pro-Palestine Demonstrations in Bogota

Demonstrators take part in a demonstration in support of Palestine on June 4, 2024 in Bogota, Colombia. Photo by: Sebastian Barros/Long Visual Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pro-Palestine Demonstrations in Bogota

Pro-Palestine Demonstrations in Bogota

Demonstrators take part in a demonstration in support of Palestine on June 4, 2024 in Bogota, Colombia. Photo by: Sebastian Barros/Long Visual Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pro-Palestine Demonstrations in Bogota

Pro-Palestine Demonstrations in Bogota

Demonstrators take part in a demonstration in support of Palestine on June 4, 2024 in Bogota, Colombia. Photo by: Sebastian Barros/Long Visual Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pro-Palestine Demonstrations in Bogota

Pro-Palestine Demonstrations in Bogota

Demonstrators take part in a demonstration in support of Palestine on June 4, 2024 in Bogota, Colombia. Photo by: Sebastian Barros/Long Visual Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pro-Palestine Demonstrations in Bogota

Pro-Palestine Demonstrations in Bogota

Demonstrators take part in a demonstration in support of Palestine on June 4, 2024 in Bogota, Colombia. Photo by: Sebastian Barros/Long Visual Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pro-Palestine Demonstrations in Bogota

Pro-Palestine Demonstrations in Bogota

Demonstrators take part in a demonstration in support of Palestine on June 4, 2024 in Bogota, Colombia. Photo by: Sebastian Barros/Long Visual Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pro-Palestine Demonstrations in Bogota

Pro-Palestine Demonstrations in Bogota

Demonstrators take part in a demonstration in support of Palestine on June 4, 2024 in Bogota, Colombia. Photo by: Sebastian Barros/Long Visual Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pro-Palestine Demonstrations in Bogota

Pro-Palestine Demonstrations in Bogota

Demonstrators take part in a demonstration in support of Palestine on June 4, 2024 in Bogota, Colombia. Photo by: Sebastian Barros/Long Visual Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pro-Palestine Demonstrations in Bogota

Pro-Palestine Demonstrations in Bogota

Demonstrators take part in a demonstration in support of Palestine on June 4, 2024 in Bogota, Colombia. Photo by: Sebastian Barros/Long Visual Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

French Forces Launch 'Major Operation' To Open Route To Noumea

French Forces Launch 'Major Operation' To Open Route To Noumea

Mon, May 20 - Noumea - The Puma is flying over risk areas, ready to airlift troops to the ground. Officials said more than 600 heavily armed gendarmes were dispatched to secure Route Territoriale 1, the main artery connecting the restive capital with air links to the outside world. Furthermore, plans for the Olympic torch relay to pass through the French territory were cancelled on Saturday. The flame had been scheduled to arrive on June 11 but French Sports Minister Amélie Oudea-Castera said that "priority must be given to a return to calm" in the territory. Six people have been killed and hundreds injured since rioting began on Monday, according to local authorities. The violence has been fuelled by economic malaise, ethnic tensions and long-standing opposition to French rule on the Pacific archipelago. Photo by Gill Chabaud/ABACAPRESS.COM

French Forces Launch 'Major Operation' To Open Route To Noumea

French Forces Launch 'Major Operation' To Open Route To Noumea

Mon, May 20 - Noumea - The Puma is flying over risk areas, ready to airlift troops to the ground. Officials said more than 600 heavily armed gendarmes were dispatched to secure Route Territoriale 1, the main artery connecting the restive capital with air links to the outside world. Furthermore, plans for the Olympic torch relay to pass through the French territory were cancelled on Saturday. The flame had been scheduled to arrive on June 11 but French Sports Minister Amélie Oudea-Castera said that "priority must be given to a return to calm" in the territory. Six people have been killed and hundreds injured since rioting began on Monday, according to local authorities. The violence has been fuelled by economic malaise, ethnic tensions and long-standing opposition to French rule on the Pacific archipelago. Photo by Gill Chabaud/ABACAPRESS.COM

French Forces Launch 'Major Operation' To Open Route To Noumea

French Forces Launch 'Major Operation' To Open Route To Noumea

Mon, May 20 - Noumea - The Savexpress is still obstructed by debris and car wrecks, as seen here at the place known as "Des Cailloux Bleus." Officials said more than 600 heavily armed gendarmes were dispatched to secure Route Territoriale 1, the main artery connecting the restive capital with air links to the outside world. Furthermore, plans for the Olympic torch relay to pass through the French territory were cancelled on Saturday. The flame had been scheduled to arrive on June 11 but French Sports Minister Amélie Oudea-Castera said that "priority must be given to a return to calm" in the territory. Six people have been killed and hundreds injured since rioting began on Monday, according to local authorities. The violence has been fuelled by economic malaise, ethnic tensions and long-standing opposition to French rule on the Pacific archipelago. Photo by Gill Chabaud/ABACAPRESS.COM

French Forces Launch 'Major Operation' To Open Route To Noumea

French Forces Launch 'Major Operation' To Open Route To Noumea

Mon, May 20 - Noumea - The Guardian on a surveillance mission to spot any gatherings or disturbances. Officials said more than 600 heavily armed gendarmes were dispatched to secure Route Territoriale 1, the main artery connecting the restive capital with air links to the outside world. Furthermore, plans for the Olympic torch relay to pass through the French territory were cancelled on Saturday. The flame had been scheduled to arrive on June 11 but French Sports Minister Amélie Oudea-Castera said that "priority must be given to a return to calm" in the territory. Six people have been killed and hundreds injured since rioting began on Monday, according to local authorities. The violence has been fuelled by economic malaise, ethnic tensions and long-standing opposition to French rule on the Pacific archipelago. Photo by Gill Chabaud/ABACAPRESS.COM

French Forces Launch 'Major Operation' To Open Route To Noumea

French Forces Launch 'Major Operation' To Open Route To Noumea

Mon, May 20 - Noumea - The access to Montravel is still blocked by rioters, posing a significant challenge for law enforcement. Officials said more than 600 heavily armed gendarmes were dispatched to secure Route Territoriale 1, the main artery connecting the restive capital with air links to the outside world. Furthermore, plans for the Olympic torch relay to pass through the French territory were cancelled on Saturday. The flame had been scheduled to arrive on June 11 but French Sports Minister Amélie Oudea-Castera said that "priority must be given to a return to calm" in the territory. Six people have been killed and hundreds injured since rioting began on Monday, according to local authorities. The violence has been fuelled by economic malaise, ethnic tensions and long-standing opposition to French rule on the Pacific archipelago. Photo by Gill Chabaud/ABACAPRESS.COM

French Forces Launch 'Major Operation' To Open Route To Noumea

French Forces Launch 'Major Operation' To Open Route To Noumea

Mon, May 20 - Noumea - The Guardian on a surveillance mission to spot any gatherings or disturbances. Officials said more than 600 heavily armed gendarmes were dispatched to secure Route Territoriale 1, the main artery connecting the restive capital with air links to the outside world. Furthermore, plans for the Olympic torch relay to pass through the French territory were cancelled on Saturday. The flame had been scheduled to arrive on June 11 but French Sports Minister Amélie Oudea-Castera said that "priority must be given to a return to calm" in the territory. Six people have been killed and hundreds injured since rioting began on Monday, according to local authorities. The violence has been fuelled by economic malaise, ethnic tensions and long-standing opposition to French rule on the Pacific archipelago. Photo by Gill Chabaud/ABACAPRESS.COM

French Forces Launch 'Major Operation' To Open Route To Noumea

French Forces Launch 'Major Operation' To Open Route To Noumea

Mon, May 20 - Noumea - The Guardian on a surveillance mission to spot any gatherings or disturbances. Officials said more than 600 heavily armed gendarmes were dispatched to secure Route Territoriale 1, the main artery connecting the restive capital with air links to the outside world. Furthermore, plans for the Olympic torch relay to pass through the French territory were cancelled on Saturday. The flame had been scheduled to arrive on June 11 but French Sports Minister Amélie Oudea-Castera said that "priority must be given to a return to calm" in the territory. Six people have been killed and hundreds injured since rioting began on Monday, according to local authorities. The violence has been fuelled by economic malaise, ethnic tensions and long-standing opposition to French rule on the Pacific archipelago. Photo by Gill Chabaud/ABACAPRESS.COM

French Forces Launch 'Major Operation' To Open Route To Noumea

French Forces Launch 'Major Operation' To Open Route To Noumea

Mon, May 20 - Noumea - Major operation by law enforcement to clear the access roads to the city. A massive deployment of police, emergency services, and machinery to remove wreckage and debris. Seen here at the Normandie interchange. Officials said more than 600 heavily armed gendarmes were dispatched to secure Route Territoriale 1, the main artery connecting the restive capital with air links to the outside world. Furthermore, plans for the Olympic torch relay to pass through the French territory were cancelled on Saturday. The flame had been scheduled to arrive on June 11 but French Sports Minister Amélie Oudea-Castera said that "priority must be given to a return to calm" in the territory. Six people have been killed and hundreds injured since rioting began on Monday, according to local authorities. The violence has been fuelled by economic malaise, ethnic tensions and long-standing opposition to French rule on the Pacific archipelago. Photo by Gill Chabaud/ABACAPRESS.COM

French Forces Launch 'Major Operation' To Open Route To Noumea

French Forces Launch 'Major Operation' To Open Route To Noumea

Mon, May 20 - Noumea - Major operation by law enforcement to clear the access roads to the city. A massive deployment of police, emergency services, and machinery to remove wreckage and debris. Seen here at the Normandie interchange. Officials said more than 600 heavily armed gendarmes were dispatched to secure Route Territoriale 1, the main artery connecting the restive capital with air links to the outside world. Furthermore, plans for the Olympic torch relay to pass through the French territory were cancelled on Saturday. The flame had been scheduled to arrive on June 11 but French Sports Minister Amélie Oudea-Castera said that "priority must be given to a return to calm" in the territory. Six people have been killed and hundreds injured since rioting began on Monday, according to local authorities. The violence has been fuelled by economic malaise, ethnic tensions and long-standing opposition to French rule on the Pacific archipelago. Photo by Gill Chabaud/ABACAPRESS.COM

French Forces Launch 'Major Operation' To Open Route To Noumea

French Forces Launch 'Major Operation' To Open Route To Noumea

Mon, May 20 - Noumea - Major operation by law enforcement to clear the access roads to the city. A massive deployment of police, emergency services, and machinery to remove wreckage and debris. Seen here at the Normandie interchange. Officials said more than 600 heavily armed gendarmes were dispatched to secure Route Territoriale 1, the main artery connecting the restive capital with air links to the outside world. Furthermore, plans for the Olympic torch relay to pass through the French territory were cancelled on Saturday. The flame had been scheduled to arrive on June 11 but French Sports Minister Amélie Oudea-Castera said that "priority must be given to a return to calm" in the territory. Six people have been killed and hundreds injured since rioting began on Monday, according to local authorities. The violence has been fuelled by economic malaise, ethnic tensions and long-standing opposition to French rule on the Pacific archipelago. Photo by Gill Chabaud/ABACAPRESS.COM

French Forces Launch 'Major Operation' To Open Route To Noumea

French Forces Launch 'Major Operation' To Open Route To Noumea

Mon, May 20 - Noumea - New wrecks are piling up here in Ducos, an area still under the control of the rioters. Officials said more than 600 heavily armed gendarmes were dispatched to secure Route Territoriale 1, the main artery connecting the restive capital with air links to the outside world. Furthermore, plans for the Olympic torch relay to pass through the French territory were cancelled on Saturday. The flame had been scheduled to arrive on June 11 but French Sports Minister Amélie Oudea-Castera said that "priority must be given to a return to calm" in the territory. Six people have been killed and hundreds injured since rioting began on Monday, according to local authorities. The violence has been fuelled by economic malaise, ethnic tensions and long-standing opposition to French rule on the Pacific archipelago. Photo by Gill Chabaud/ABACAPRESS.COM

French Forces Launch 'Major Operation' To Open Route To Noumea

French Forces Launch 'Major Operation' To Open Route To Noumea

Mon, May 20 - Noumea - Major operation by law enforcement to clear the access roads to the city. A massive deployment of police, emergency services, and machinery to remove wreckage and debris. Seen here at the Normandie interchange. Officials said more than 600 heavily armed gendarmes were dispatched to secure Route Territoriale 1, the main artery connecting the restive capital with air links to the outside world. Furthermore, plans for the Olympic torch relay to pass through the French territory were cancelled on Saturday. The flame had been scheduled to arrive on June 11 but French Sports Minister Amélie Oudea-Castera said that "priority must be given to a return to calm" in the territory. Six people have been killed and hundreds injured since rioting began on Monday, according to local authorities. The violence has been fuelled by economic malaise, ethnic tensions and long-standing opposition to French rule on the Pacific archipelago. Photo by Gill Chabaud/ABACAPRESS.COM

French Forces Launch 'Major Operation' To Open Route To Noumea

French Forces Launch 'Major Operation' To Open Route To Noumea

Mon, May 20 - Noumea - Major operation by law enforcement to clear the access roads to the city. A massive deployment of police, emergency services, and machinery to remove wreckage and debris. Seen here at the Normandie interchange. Officials said more than 600 heavily armed gendarmes were dispatched to secure Route Territoriale 1, the main artery connecting the restive capital with air links to the outside world. Furthermore, plans for the Olympic torch relay to pass through the French territory were cancelled on Saturday. The flame had been scheduled to arrive on June 11 but French Sports Minister Amélie Oudea-Castera said that "priority must be given to a return to calm" in the territory. Six people have been killed and hundreds injured since rioting began on Monday, according to local authorities. The violence has been fuelled by economic malaise, ethnic tensions and long-standing opposition to French rule on the Pacific archipelago. Photo by Gill Chabaud/ABACAPRESS.COM

French Forces Launch 'Major Operation' To Open Route To Noumea

French Forces Launch 'Major Operation' To Open Route To Noumea

Mon, May 20 - Noumea - Major operation by law enforcement to clear the access roads to the city. A massive deployment of police, emergency services, and machinery to remove wreckage and debris. Seen here at the Normandie interchange. Officials said more than 600 heavily armed gendarmes were dispatched to secure Route Territoriale 1, the main artery connecting the restive capital with air links to the outside world. Furthermore, plans for the Olympic torch relay to pass through the French territory were cancelled on Saturday. The flame had been scheduled to arrive on June 11 but French Sports Minister Amélie Oudea-Castera said that "priority must be given to a return to calm" in the territory. Six people have been killed and hundreds injured since rioting began on Monday, according to local authorities. The violence has been fuelled by economic malaise, ethnic tensions and long-standing opposition to French rule on the Pacific archipelago. Photo by Gill Chabaud/ABACAPRESS.COM

French Forces Launch 'Major Operation' To Open Route To Noumea

French Forces Launch 'Major Operation' To Open Route To Noumea

Mon, May 20 - Noumea - Major operation by law enforcement to clear the access roads to the city. A massive deployment of police, emergency services, and machinery to remove wreckage and debris. Seen here at the Normandie interchange. Officials said more than 600 heavily armed gendarmes were dispatched to secure Route Territoriale 1, the main artery connecting the restive capital with air links to the outside world. Furthermore, plans for the Olympic torch relay to pass through the French territory were cancelled on Saturday. The flame had been scheduled to arrive on June 11 but French Sports Minister Amélie Oudea-Castera said that "priority must be given to a return to calm" in the territory. Six people have been killed and hundreds injured since rioting began on Monday, according to local authorities. The violence has been fuelled by economic malaise, ethnic tensions and long-standing opposition to French rule on the Pacific archipelago. Photo by Gill Chabaud/ABACAPRESS.COM

French Forces Launch 'Major Operation' To Open Route To Noumea

French Forces Launch 'Major Operation' To Open Route To Noumea

Mon, May 20 - Noumea - Major operation by law enforcement to clear the access roads to the city. A massive deployment of police, emergency services, and machinery to remove wreckage and debris. Seen here at the Normandie interchange. Officials said more than 600 heavily armed gendarmes were dispatched to secure Route Territoriale 1, the main artery connecting the restive capital with air links to the outside world. Furthermore, plans for the Olympic torch relay to pass through the French territory were cancelled on Saturday. The flame had been scheduled to arrive on June 11 but French Sports Minister Amélie Oudea-Castera said that "priority must be given to a return to calm" in the territory. Six people have been killed and hundreds injured since rioting began on Monday, according to local authorities. The violence has been fuelled by economic malaise, ethnic tensions and long-standing opposition to French rule on the Pacific archipelago. Photo by Gill Chabaud/ABACAPRESS.COM

French Forces Launch 'Major Operation' To Open Route To Noumea

French Forces Launch 'Major Operation' To Open Route To Noumea

Mon, May 20 - Noumea - Major operation by law enforcement to clear the access roads to the city. A massive deployment of police, emergency services, and machinery to remove wreckage and debris. Seen here at the Normandie interchange. Officials said more than 600 heavily armed gendarmes were dispatched to secure Route Territoriale 1, the main artery connecting the restive capital with air links to the outside world. Furthermore, plans for the Olympic torch relay to pass through the French territory were cancelled on Saturday. The flame had been scheduled to arrive on June 11 but French Sports Minister Amélie Oudea-Castera said that "priority must be given to a return to calm" in the territory. Six people have been killed and hundreds injured since rioting began on Monday, according to local authorities. The violence has been fuelled by economic malaise, ethnic tensions and long-standing opposition to French rule on the Pacific archipelago. Photo by Gill Chabaud/ABACAPRESS.COM

French Forces Launch 'Major Operation' To Open Route To Noumea

French Forces Launch 'Major Operation' To Open Route To Noumea

Mon, May 20 - Noumea - Major operation by law enforcement to clear the access roads to the city. A massive deployment of police, emergency services, and machinery to remove wreckage and debris. Seen here at the Normandie interchange. Officials said more than 600 heavily armed gendarmes were dispatched to secure Route Territoriale 1, the main artery connecting the restive capital with air links to the outside world. Furthermore, plans for the Olympic torch relay to pass through the French territory were cancelled on Saturday. The flame had been scheduled to arrive on June 11 but French Sports Minister Amélie Oudea-Castera said that "priority must be given to a return to calm" in the territory. Six people have been killed and hundreds injured since rioting began on Monday, according to local authorities. The violence has been fuelled by economic malaise, ethnic tensions and long-standing opposition to French rule on the Pacific archipelago. Photo by Gill Chabaud/ABACAPRESS.COM