French Rail Network Attacked Ahead Of Paris Olympics

By: Gyang Dakwo

France’s high-speed TGV rail network has been hit by “malicious acts”, disrupting some of the nation’s busiest lines on the day of the Paris Olympics opening ceremony.

“Arson attacks were started to damage our facilities,” state-owned railway operator SNCF said on Friday, adding that the “simultaneous malicious acts” had taken place overnight.

French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal wrote on X that France’s intelligence services have been mobilised to find the perpetrators as he characterised the attacks as “acts of sabotage” that were “prepared and coordinated”.

Transport Minister Patrice Vergriete called the “massive attack” against the rail network an “outrageous criminal act”. He described people fleeing from the scene of fires and the discovery of incendiary devices at the sites.

SNCF said many routes would have to be cancelled “at least all weekend while repairs are conducted” as thousands of rail staff were deployed to repair the damage.

CEO Jean-Pierre Farandou said about 800,000 customers had been impacted ahead of a busy weekend for holidaymakers.

Arsonists had targeted installations along the lines connecting the capital, Paris, with the country’s west, north and east. The southeastern line was not affected as “a malicious act was foiled”, the railway operator said. It urged passengers to postpone their trips and stay away from train stations.

Trains to neighbouring Belgium and to London under the English Channel were also affected.

The attacks occurred against a backdrop of global tensions and heightened security measures as the city prepared for the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympics today Friday July 26.