An Australian military transport jet has departed New Caledonia, transporting passengers who had been trapped when the island’s international airport was closed due to turmoil.
It is the first of two Australian aircraft to arrive in the French Pacific region to rescue 300 inhabitants who have requested aid.
A New Zealand Air Force plane has also arrived, according to Flightradar24, and is one of “a series” of proposed flights that will return approximately 50 people home, according to the Wellington administration.
The violence began last week after lawmakers in Paris passed legislation allowing more French residents to vote in local elections, which indigenous leaders argue will erode native people’s political influence.
Four individuals were slain, including at least three indigenous Kanak locals.
