France hit by 'coordinated' prison attacks involving gunfire, arson

A wave of attacks struck several prisons across France overnight from late Monday in what authorities describe as a "coordinated" assault involving arson and gunfire.

Facilities in Toulon, Aix-en-Provence, Marseille, Valence, Nimes, Luynes, Villepinte, and Nanterre were targeted, with the most serious incident unfolding in Toulon (Var), where gunmen opened fire with automatic weapons on the prison entrance, Le Parisien reported.

"Several prisons have been the target of vehicle fires, and the Toulon prison was the target of automatic weapon fire last night," France's Justice Ministry said in a statement on Tuesday.

No injuries were reported, but investigators found seven bullet holes and several shell casings at the Toulon site. Witnesses saw a group of individuals flee in a vehicle.

Meanwhile, Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin traveled to Toulon afternoon to meet with prison officials and express support for staff.

"The Republic is facing drug trafficking and is taking measures that will profoundly disrupt criminal networks. It is challenged and will be firm and courageous," Darmanin wrote on X.

In Valence and Marseille, vehicles belonging to prison staff were set on fire.

In Marseille, attackers targeted a residential building housing prison guards, torching two cars and spray-painting nine others with "DDPF," an acronym linked to prisoners' rights advocacy.

Earlier in the week, attacks also hit the prison in Reau and the National Prison Administration School (Enap) in Agen.

While no group has claimed responsibility, investigators are exploring possible links to drug gangs angered by new government policies or far-left anarchist groups.

A judicial source told Le Parisien the assaults may have been coordinated by inmates in high-security units.

"It all seems coordinated," said a source close to the investigation. Authorities have opened probes in each of the affected regions.