On July 26, 2024, just hours before the Paris Olympics opening ceremony, France’s high-speed rail network was hit by a series of coordinated arson attacks, causing massive disruptions to train services. French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal described the attacks as ‘massive and serious’ and stated they were carried out in a ‘prepared and coordinated manner’.The sabotage affected multiple lines, including the Atlantic, Northern, and Eastern high-speed routes, as well as Eurostar connections to London. The damage includes intentional fires in power supply conduits for signaling and communication systems, with up to 500 electrical and fiber optic cables affected. SNCF President Jean-Pierre Farandou called the sabotage ‘an attack on France and the French people’.The attacks are expected to impact approximately 1 million passengers and last throughout the weekend, significantly disrupting both Olympic-related travel and vacation departures. Many train connections have been cancelled or diverted, with the SNCF urging passengers to postpone their trips and avoid train stations.In response to the attacks and to ensure security during the Olympics, the French government has deployed 45,000 police officers, 10,000 soldiers, and 2,000 private security agents. French authorities have launched a national investigation and mobilized intelligence services to find the perpetrators.While the exact motives behind the attacks remain unclear, security forces suspect extreme left-wing or ecological groups may be responsible. The attacks have raised concerns about the safety and security of the Olympic Games, although officials maintain that the opening ceremony will proceed as planned.
Key points
- Coordinated arson attacks on French high-speed rail network occurred hours before the Paris Olympics opening ceremony.
- The sabotage is expected to affect 1 million passengers and disrupt travel throughout the Olympic opening weekend.
- French authorities have launched a national investigation and deployed significant security forces for the Olympics.
- Despite the attacks, officials maintain that the Olympic opening ceremony will proceed as planned.
Contradictions👾While most sources report 800,000 affected passengers, one source claims the number has risen to 1 million.
There are also slight discrepancies in the reported number of security personnel deployed.
