- Coordinated sabotage attacks on French railways cause massive travel disruptions.
- Tens of thousands of police and troops deployed for Olympic security.
- Investigation ongoing; no claim of responsibility yet.
A series of meticulously coordinated sabotage attacks on railway cabling boxes have caused significant disruptions to train services in France, just before the opening of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
The attacks, which took place in the early hours of Friday, led to the cancellation of about 30% of trains in the affected regions, with delays of one to two hours for many services.
France Investigates Sabotage as Train Disruptions Continue
The sabotage has impacted the travel plans of hundreds of thousands of passengers, including UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. In response to the heightened threat, French authorities have deployed tens of thousands of police and troops to ensure the security of the Games, which will run through August 11. Efforts by SNCF workers to repair the damage have been ongoing, but disruptions are expected to continue until Monday.
The attacks have not only disrupted domestic travel but also impacted international services, including a 25% cancellation of Eurostar trains. Passengers traveling to destinations like Avignon and Nantes have faced extended travel times and multiple train changes. Despite the efforts of SNCF staff working through difficult conditions, normal service is not expected to resume until Monday.
Prime Minister Gabriel Attal and other government officials have condemned the sabotage, emphasizing its deliberate and strategic execution. The ongoing investigation has revealed that the operation was highly organized, with the saboteurs targeting critical infrastructure. While no group has claimed responsibility, authorities believe they are closing in on identifying the culprits.
The disruption has caused widespread frustration among travelers, though many have shown patience amid the chaos. Security measures remain stringent as the country aims to prevent any further incidents during the Olympic Games. With the Games attracting global attention, ensuring the safety and smooth operation of transport services is a top priority for French authorities.
The recent sabotage of French railways highlights the vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure and the challenges of securing large-scale events like the Olympics. As investigations continue, authorities remain vigilant to prevent further disruptions and ensure the safety of both residents and visitors during the Games.
“Everything will be back to normal for Monday morning,” SNCF president Farandou assured reporters at Paris Montparnasse station.
