Nationwide Police Operations Target Gangs Behind Prison Attacks in France

In response to a surge of violent attacks on prisons and prison staff, French police have arrested 25 individuals during early morning raids throughout the country. Investigations suggest that organized gangs are retaliating against recent government measures aimed at combating drug trafficking and gang activity.

In a decisive move against escalating violence, French police have conducted extensive raids across major cities, resulting in 25 arrests linked to a series of violent attacks on prisons and prison officers throughout April. Notably, locations such as Paris, Marseille, Bordeaux, and Lyon were included in the crackdown aimed at restoring order following a record number of assaults.

The French Justice Minister, Gérald Darmanin, indicated that these attacks are the reaction of criminal gangs retaliating against government initiatives designed to tackle rising drug trafficking. The situation escalated dramatically over five nights in April, characterized by arson and gunfire targeting multiple correctional facilities, with Darmanin categorizing such incidents as "terrorist attacks."

The violence reached a peak on April 15, when gunmen opened fire on the entrance of La Farlede prison in Toulon with a Kalashnikov rifle, marking one of the most serious confrontations. Following a comprehensive assessment, the French government confirmed that at least 65 attacks had occurred since April 13 against prison personnel or facilities.

Reports have emerged that a group claiming to advocate for prisoner rights took responsibility for some of these assaults through statements made on the messaging platform Telegram. In response to the ongoing threat, President Emmanuel Macron vowed to ensure that perpetrators would face justice.

Currently, French anti-terror prosecutors are overseeing the investigation and have succeeded in apprehending key suspects, some of whom were arrested inside prison facilities. Minister Darmanin reiterated the government's commitment to uphold the law amid these challenging circumstances, while Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau commended the swift and professional response of law enforcement. As part of ongoing efforts, the French parliament is set to vote on the establishment of a dedicated prosecutor's office to enhance the fight against drug-related crime.