Just hours before the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics, France’s high-speed rail network was hit by coordinated arson attacks, causing widespread travel disruptions. The incidents, described as “criminal actions” by officials, paralyzed major rail lines and affected an estimated 250,000 travelers.
Prime Minister Gabriel Attal labeled the acts as “sabotage,” mobilizing intelligence services to find the perpetrators. Transport Minister Patrice Vergriete reported sightings of individuals fleeing fires and the discovery of incendiary devices. No injuries were reported, but the disruptions are expected to last through the weekend.
The attacks come as Paris prepares for the Olympic opening ceremony, with heightened security and global attention. The French national rail company SNCF urged travelers to postpone their journeys, warning that the impact of the sabotage could extend beyond the weekend.
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