**Police Conduct Nationwide Raids in France Following Coordinated Prison Attacks**

In a sweeping response to a shocking spate of coordinated assaults on prisons and prison personnel, French police conducted extensive raids early Monday across multiple cities including Paris, Marseille, and Lyon, leading to the arrest of 25 individuals. French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin indicated that these attacks, characterized by arson and gunfire, stem from retaliatory actions against a government clampdown on drug trafficking. Over 65 attacks have been reported since April 13, prompting President Emmanuel Macron to vow that the assailants would be held accountable. Reflecting ongoing concerns about security and crime, the French government is moving forward with legislative measures aimed at enhancing law enforcement capabilities.

Authorities had been on high alert following a series of violent incidents targeting prisons, culminating in multiple vehicles being set ablaze and even gunfire directed at prison facilities. The most alarming of these events occurred at Toulon’s La Farlede prison, where attackers armed with Kalashnikov rifles aimed at the prison's entrance. This series of attacks has raised significant alarm about the safety of prison staff and the general public, prompting a decisive reaction from the government.

Justice Minister Darmanin emphasized the state's commitment to combatting drug-related crime, while Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau lauded the efficiency of the investigative efforts that allowed for these swift arrests. The French government is also considering a legislative initiative to establish a special prosecutor’s office focused on addressing drug trafficking more effectively. As France grapples with the implications of these violent incidents, the emphasis on public safety and the rule of law remains paramount.