US issues security alert for Americans in France ahead of weekend protests

The US State Department issued a security alert on Thursday for American citizens in France, urging caution during protests scheduled for Saturday and Sunday. The advisory warns of potential violence, vandalism, and movement restrictions in Paris. The statement noted recent demonstrations have been violent, involving heavy property destruction, uncontrolled looting, and attacks on police. Protests are also expected in other cities like Orléans, and the alert referenced curfews currently in effect across the country. France will deploy 70,000 police and National Gendarmerie officers on Saturday, according to Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, who promised strict action against looting. The protests follow last Saturday's mobilization of 500,000 people against budget cuts and rising living costs, with over 2,000 arrests and two deaths reported.