HomeInternational News"Arson Attacks Disrupt France's High-Speed Train Network Ahead of Olympics"

“Arson Attacks Disrupt France’s High-Speed Train Network Ahead of Olympics”

France’s high-speed train network, TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse), has been targeted by “malevolent actions” that disrupted some of the country’s busiest lines on the day of the opening ceremony for the Paris 2024 Olympics. The state-owned railway operator, SNCF (Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français), reported multiple arson attacks intended to damage their facilities.

Transport Minister Patrice Vergriete condemned the “massive attack” on the rail network as a “scandalous criminal act.” He described scenes where people fled from the fires and bomb-making materials were discovered at the attack sites. SNCF announced that it has had to cancel several routes “at least for the entire weekend while repairs are carried out.”

The arsonists targeted installations along the lines connecting the capital, Paris, with the western, northern, and eastern regions of the country. The southeastern line remained unaffected, as “a malicious act was thwarted,” according to SNCF. Services to neighboring Belgium and to London through the Channel Tunnel were also impacted by the attacks. Valerie Pecresse, the president of the Île-de-France regional council, stated that “250,000 travelers will be affected today across all these lines.” She warned travelers against going to the stations.

The attacks occurred amid a backdrop of global tensions and heightened security measures as the city prepares for the opening ceremony of the Summer Olympics 2024, which will involve 7,500 athletes and 300,000 spectators. Al Jazeera reporter in Paris, Bernard Smith, emphasizes that “security has always been a concern for these Olympics, and it is clear why.”

These apparently coordinated attacks highlight the significant security challenges that France faces. National police authorities have launched an investigation into the incidents.

“It is absolutely disgusting,” said Sports Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera in an interview with BFMTV. “To target the Olympics is to target France.” She added that “these Olympic Games are for the athletes who have dreamed of them for years.”

More than 45,000 police officers, 10,000 soldiers, and 2,000 private security agents have been mobilized, with snipers on rooftops and drones monitoring from above. Smith notes that an “unprecedented security operation” has been initiated.

A large area along the Seine River has been cordoned off for the ceremony, which will stretch over 6 kilometers along the river and will be attended by more than 100 world leaders.

It is still unclear whether the attacks are related to the international sports event, but a source close to the investigation told AFP (Agence France-Presse) that the attacks were “sabotage.” The source indicated that the attacks were “clearly coordinated.”

Smith also highlights the tense geopolitical context surrounding the Games, with ongoing bombing campaigns in Gaza by Israel and territorial gains by Russia in Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron has called for an “Olympic truce” during meetings with Chinese leader Xi Jinping and at the United Nations General Assembly in December. However, given the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, there seems to be little hope for such a ceasefire.

SNCF has urged passengers to postpone their travel arrangements and stay away from train stations. According to SNCF CEO Jean-Pierre Farandou, around 800,000 passengers have been affected by the current disruptions.

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