Major chaos in France: "Rare violence"

 

Emil Forsberg

 

Published 2026-10-02 23.43

Thousands of high school students have been arrested during chaotic student protests in France.

Now, the police's notorious special unit, Brav-M, is being deployed.

"These images of rare violence are unbearable," says Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez.

Violent protests are rocking France following reports of teacher shortages and dilapidated school buildings.

Cars and schools have been set on fire amidst the chaos. Images also show youths clashing with police officers.

In Strasbourg, demonstrators are throwing furniture and other projectiles at the police, who are responding with tear gas, reports BFMTV. On Thursday, a group of firefighters in Marseille was also attacked by youths who set their fire truck ablaze.

Minister outraged: "Rioters"

400 schools across the country remained closed on Friday in an attempt to calm the situation.

Over 2,000 demonstrators have been arrested; more than 90 percent are under the age of 18.

Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez is outraged by the violence directed at police officers.

"These images of rare violence are unbearable," he writes on X, adding:

"Full support to the police officers intervening under difficult conditions. They are not facing demonstrators, but rioters."

"Robocop" police deployed

French media report that the police have deployed the notorious riot squad Brav-M to disperse the demonstrators.

The motorcycle-mounted officers—likened to the action figure "Robocop" by the newspaper *Le Monde*—have previously faced criticism for using excessive force against protesters.

Meanwhile, parents are being urged to keep their children at home.

"I urge you to immediately ensure that your child's behavior complies with laws and regulations," writes Pierre Regnault de la Mothe, the prefect of Pyrénées-Orientales, in an open letter.

For their part, the students are demanding answers from the government. Marius Mesnil, a 17-year-old student, tells *Svenska Dagbladet* that learning conditions are deteriorating by the day.

"There are high schools where ceilings are collapsing and schools infested with rats. We have overloaded schedules and a shortage of teachers."

If their demands are not met, further mobilization awaits.

"We won't settle for mere crumbs. We want concrete results now." 

 

Saudi Arabia plans coastal offensive – aims to seize control of the strait

Emil Forsberg

 

Published 2026-10-02 23.46

Saudi Arabia is attempting to gain control of the strategically vital Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

According to sources speaking to Reuters, a coastal offensive is now being planned.

100,000 soldiers are to be mobilized.

A rapid offensive in Yemen has given Houthi rebels control over both the Red Sea coast and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a crucial trade route for global oil supplies.

Fierce fighting is currently underway for the cultural capital of Taiz, a key junction between Houthi-controlled areas in northern Yemen and government-controlled areas in the south.

Saudi Arabia, which supports government forces, is now planning a counter-offensive, sources tell Reuters.

Several options under consideration

100,000 Yemeni soldiers are to be mobilized and supported by Saudi combat aircraft.

Several options are being considered, including a coastal offensive targeting the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and a multi-front assault on Al-Bayda, Marib, Taiz, and Al-Jawf.

Saudi Arabia has intensified pressure on the Houthi rebels, carrying out 94 airstrikes in the last 24 hours. Meanwhile, Pakistan has increased its support for the Saudi-backed government, sending four cargo planes loaded with weapons to assist with the mobilization, reports Middle East Eye.

The cargo included air defense systems, artillery, drones, and anti-drone systems, among other equipment. 

Attacks on civilian infrastructure

The Houthis have responded by attacking civilian infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, including Riyadh's airport, which was forced to close temporarily on Friday evening.

Saudi Arabia also accuses Houthi rebels of bombing a power station in the city of Medina that supplies electricity to the Prophet's Mosque. The attack has been condemned by Turkey, among others. The Houthis deny the allegations. 

 

 

Trump: Europe to release diesel

Yesterday, 16:02

Isak Lundholm Larsson

Donald Trump writes on Truth Social that Europe has agreed to release "massive amounts" of diesel to the US from its strategic reserves.

"The process will begin immediately," the US President writes.

Emmanuel Macron confirms Trump's statement, according to Bloomberg. The French President says that G7 nations will release 100 million barrels of diesel and crude oil from their reserves over the coming four months.

Trump had previously threatened an export ban targeting countries such as Germany and France if they did not release the diesel, according to Reuters. 

 

Frederiksen: One must be ready to die for Denmark

 

TT 

Published 12.55

 

Denmark’s Chief of Defence Michael Hyldgaard and Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen (Social Democrats) during the national flag day for deployed Danish soldiers in Copenhagen on September 5. Photo: Thomas Traasdahl/Ritzau Scanpix/TT

All Danes should be ready to die for their fatherland, asserts Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.

If Denmark were to be attacked, would Danes be prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice?

Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen was asked this question on the DR program "Krigens dygn" (Days of War).

"Do I think one should be willing to die for one's country? Yes, of course," she replied.

"Apart from my loved ones, there is nothing I love more than my homeland."

However, far from all Danes share Frederiksen’s willingness to fight, Danish media report. In a TV2 poll conducted in September, only 34 percent of Danes said they were ready to go to war if Denmark were invaded by a foreign power. Reluctance was particularly high among 18- to 39-year-olds, with nearly 60 percent saying no to fighting for their homeland.
 

US closes embassy in Brazil ahead of election

 

TT-AFP

 

Published 15.14

 

A man cleans graffiti off the wall of the US embassy in the capital, Brasília. File photo. Photo: Eraldo Peres /AP/TT

The US has suspended consular services in Brazil starting Friday. The reason cited is "security concerns" ahead of the election.

"US citizens seeking urgent assistance during this period should not come to the embassy, ​​consulates, or other US diplomatic facilities," the US mission in the country states.

The US State Department has not provided details regarding the nature of the security threat, nor when the missions will reopen, Reuters reports.

The US has an embassy and four consulates in Brazil. The country's presidential election is being held on Sunday, October 4. 

At least 5,700 dead or injured in Haiti gang violence

 

TT-AFP

  

Published 11.16 

 

A man holds a photo of a victim of a gang attack in Haiti's capital, Port-au-Prince, on August 30. Photo: Odelyn Joseph /AP/TT

Gang violence in Haiti has resulted in at least 5,700 people being injured or killed so far this year, according to the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC).

These cases were reported by the UN in Haiti between January and September 10 of this year. The actual figures are "likely much higher," states human rights chief Volker Türk.

Over 1,000 girls and women have been raped, and 230 people kidnapped, during the same period.

This is occurring despite the authorities achieving some success in controlling gangs in the capital, Port-au-Prince. The UN has a security force on the ground that was intended to comprise 5,500 personnel but currently consists of only 1,500.

"The force is far below what is needed," says Türk.

More than half of the deaths stem from operations carried out by Haiti's own security forces and self-defense groups. 

 

INTEL Roundtable w/ Larry Johnson & Joe Kent - Week Wrap 2-OCT

Judge Napolitano - Judging Freedom