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France: Over 1,000 Vehicles Set on Fire on New Year's Eve – 500+ Detentions

Published January 2, 2026, 05:09
France: Over 1,000 Vehicles Set on Fire on New Year's Eve – 500+ Detentions

Over a thousand vehicles were set on fire and more than 500 people were detained in France on New Year's Eve, while “more limited urban unrest” was reported, the Ministry of the Interior announced on Thursday. A total of “505 individuals” were detained, and in 403 cases, the detentions resulted in arrests and custody, the French ministry explained, referring to a night “quieter” than the corresponding one in 2025. However, last year, 420 detentions and 310 arrests and custody were reported throughout France. The number of vehicles set on fire increased, reaching 1,173 compared to 984 on New Year's Eve in 2025, according to the same source. Local authorities nevertheless noted “a less troubled night in the suburbs than last year and more limited urban unrest,” the ministry insisted, also reporting fewer, and less serious, “attacks against law enforcement forces.” Police officers were targeted with fireworks in various cities, including Nice, Lyon, Strasbourg, and Rennes, a source in the agency informed. Approximately 90,000 police officers and gendarmes, including 10,000 in Paris and its suburbs, were mobilized from December 31st in anticipation of the celebrations. This number remained unchanged compared to last year.