A wave of organized attacks has struck prisons across France in recent days, involving arson, gunfire, and cryptic graffiti.

Dozens of vehicles, many belonging to prison staff, have been torched or vandalized outside facilities in cities like Toulon, Villepinte, Agen, Marseille, Aix, and Valence.

Authorities say 21 vehicles were damaged between Sunday night and Tuesday morning. In Agen, seven cars were set ablaze in a prison staff training center’s parking lot.

In Villepinte, two staff cars and a third vehicle were destroyed by fire, with a fuel container left at the scene and CCTV footage showing two people setting them alight.

The most serious incident happened near Toulon, where individuals armed with automatic weapons opened fire at a prison gate, leaving 15 bullet holes.

Spray-painted nearby was the phrase “DDFM,” while most other targeted sites were marked with “DDPF,” believed to stand for “French prisoners’ rights.” No group has come forward to claim responsibility.

The attacks come as France’s government intensifies its crackdown on organized crime and drug trafficking.

Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin, who visited the Toulon site, linked the events to efforts targeting drug networks.

He referenced his time as interior minister, noting similar tactics used to scare authorities with small-scale intimidation contracts.

Darmanin is leading a “prison revolution” that includes transferring 200 of the most dangerous drug traffickers into two high-security prisons.

This follows the dramatic escape and later re-arrest of suspected drug kingpin Mohamed Amra.

France’s anti terror prosecutors are now handling the investigation. While some sources haven’t ruled out anarchist involvement, the evidence leans toward retaliation by drug gangs.

Union leaders have condemned the attacks as direct threats to public servants and national institutions, calling for immediate measures to reinforce prison safety.

Officials say they will not back down, promising a strong response to those behind the violence.