Security forces in New Caledonia killed two men during an overnight operation, the public prosecutor said on Thursday, taking the death toll to 13 after months of unrest in the French Pacific territory.

Unrest began in May in New Caledonia between indigenous Kanaks and French loyalists and was sparked by a controversial voting reform that was suspended in June.

Kanaks fear the reform would dilute their vote and make it harder for any future referendum on independence to pass, while Paris has said the measure is needed to improve democracy by allowing more residents from France to vote.

(With input from agencies)