POINTE-A PITRE (Reuters) – The French territory overseas of Guadeloupe was rocked by a third day of looting, rioting and protests against COVID-19. Gunmen shot at firefighters and police officers, according to authorities on Sunday.

After shops were broken into, and vehicles set on fire by police officers, 38 suspects were arrested.

To restore order, special police officers were expected to travel from France to the Caribbean archipelago.

Gabriel Attal, spokesperson for the government said on Europe 1 Radio that “this situation cannot be accepted or tolerated.”

Guadeloupe’s prefect Alexandre Rochatte represents the French government and stated that terrorist groups tried to take over stores in Pointe-a-Pitre Basse-Terre Lamentin. He also claimed they battled police.

Firemen and police were attacked with shots as they tried to quell the flames. According to the prefect, four pharmacies were broken in and their cars set on flame while bars were constructed to prevent security personnel from entering.

Gerald Darmanin, Interior Minister, stated Saturday that France will send approximately 50 members to the territory of its elite tactical forces GIGN or RAID of the gendarmerie et police.

Jean Castex, the Prime Minister of Guadeloupe is due to also be present in Paris on Monday to discuss the matter with officials from Guadeloupe.

Rochatte imposed Friday’s curfew at 6 p.m. until 5 a.m. after five days of civil unrest, during which there were barricades in place and firefighters and doctors went on strike.

The indefinite strike by trade unions was initiated Monday against the mandatory vaccination of all health workers and to protest COVID-19.