French Prisons Attacked Amid Anti-Drug Crackdown

French prisons have faced a series of coordinated attacks involving automatic gunfire and arson, which authorities believe are in retaliation against recent government anti-drug policies. Attacks occurred at multiple sites, including Toulon, Aix-en-Provence, and Marseille, where vehicles were set ablaze and a prison entrance was shot at. Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin and Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau have both condemned these acts, asserting that they are a response to the government's intensified efforts to combat drug trafficking and related crime. The attacks, which left no physical injuries but caused significant psychological distress among prison staff, are being investigated by the National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor's Office with assistance from domestic intelligence. Darmanin has pledged a strong government response and is visiting affected sites to support officers. The authorities are determined to crack down on the criminal networks responsible for these acts and reinforce security measures for prison staff.