Overview

• Multiple French prisons, including Toulon, Marseille, and Villepinte, were targeted overnight by coordinated attacks involving vehicle arson, gunfire, and vandalism.
• The Toulon prison experienced the most severe attack, with 15 Kalashnikov impacts on its entrance, prompting an urgent visit from Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin.
• Authorities suspect the attacks are linked to the government's anti-narcotrafficking measures, which aim to disrupt criminal networks and isolate high-risk detainees.
• The Interior Ministry has ordered heightened security at all prison facilities, with investigations now being led by the national antiterrorism prosecutor.
• Despite the escalating security tensions, the government is proceeding with its modular prison initiative, with calls for bids set for May and June to address overcrowding.