France, Nov. 5 -- Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez announced the security operation on Wednesday, saying the authorities would seek to prevent violence, looting and damage to public buildings. The operation includes helicopters, drones, armoured vehicles and water cannon.

In Paris, police authorised a march from Republique to Nation along Boulevard Voltaire, rejecting the unions' preferred route from Bastille to Concorde.

Police estimates suggested between 500,000 and 700,000 people could demonstrate outside the Paris region, with another 40,000 to 80,000 expected in the capital.

France reports 1,314 arrests after protests as police defend security operation Maintaining pressure

The day of action is the first since September to br...