French intelligence identifies groups behind violence

French intelligence services have estimated that "ultraleft" and "radical far-left" groups were at the forefront of the violent incidents that occurred on Saturday, according to a security source. These groups were not identified as the origin of the looting, which intelligence services suggest was a "mix" of people responding to "calls on social networks."

Composition of the violent groups

The intelligence services suggest that the looting was primarily composed of young men and young people from neighborhoods, some of whom were part of the "yellow vests" movement and others more politically engaged. These groups were described as responding to calls on social networks, indicating a decentralized and possibly spontaneous mobilization.

Definition of ultraleft groups

The intelligence services classify "ultraleft" as comprising approximately 5,000 registered militants, described as "violent radical groups, outside the democratic and republican field." They are divided into three ideologically distinct groups: "antifas," the most numerous; "anarcho-autonomes"; and "anarchists," the oldest movement.

Radical far-left militants

Under the term "radical far-left," the services describe militants who carry out "violent field actions" according to a "well-defined method." Organizations such as NPA and Permanente Revolution, which are "little or not in the field of parties," are classified in this category. These groups are distinguished by their methods and ideological focus.

Distinction between ultraleft and radical far-left

The services note that "ultraleft" and "radical far-left" are not the same, even though on Saturday, the two groups joined forces. They attribute responsibility to them for the confrontations with law enforcement and state symbols, such as municipalities. This alliance was described as unprecedented in its scope and coordination.

Objectives of the ultraleft

According to the security source, "the ultraleft" aimed to "create anarchy, to bring down institutions, by targeting prefectures, mayoral offices, etc., and the young people formed the fuel." The collaboration between "ultraleft," "radical far-left" and young people from the neighborhoods was emphasized as a new and significant development in the dynamics of political violence in France.