- TGV rail disruptions due to malicious acts
- Massive arson attack on key routes
- 250,000 travelers affected, advised to avoid stations
On the day of the Paris Olympics opening ceremony, “Malicious acts” disrupted France’s high-speed TGV rail network, causing several of the country’s busiest lines to fail.
State-owned train operator SNCF said on Friday that “simultaneous malicious acts” had started to damage our facilities.
The “massive attack” on the rail network was described as an “outrageous criminal act” by Transport Minister Patrice Vergriete.
He described people fleeing the fire and discovering incendiary devices.
SNCF stated that numerous routes would have to be closed for “at least the weekend while repairs are carried out.”
Arsonists targeted facilities along the routes connecting Paris to the country’s west, north, and east. According to the report, the southeastern line was unaffected because “a malicious act was foiled.”.
The English Channel also affected trains to neighboring Belgium and London.
Valerie Pecresse, president of the Greater Paris Regional Council, stated that “250,000 travelers will be affected today on all of these lines.” She cautioned travelers “not to go to stations.”.
The attack occurred amid a backdrop of global tensions and increased security measures as the city prepared for Friday’s opening ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympics, which will feature 7,500 competitors, 300,000 spectators, and a VIP audience.
Security was always an issue at these Olympics, and here is why. The apparent coordinated strikes highlighted France’s huge security concerns.
Exceptional security
The national police stated they are investigating what happened.
It’s entirely unacceptable, Sports Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera told BFMTV. To target the games, one must target France.
These games are for athletes who have been dreaming of them for years, competing for the holy grail of standing on the podium, and someone is undermining their chances, she said.
Snipers on roofs and drones patrolling from the skies accompanied the deployment of more than 45,000 police officers, 10,000 troops, and 2,000 private security agents.
Smith claimed “an unprecedented security operation” was in place.
He said that more than 100 global leaders from countries around the world will “watch” the ceremony, which will take place along 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) of the Seine.
It was unclear whether the attacks were related to the major sporting event, but a source close to the probe told AFP that they were acts of “sabotage..
According to the source, the strikes were “evidently coordinated.”.
‘Olympic Truce’
In December, French President Emmanuel Macron called for an “Olympic Truce” during a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping and the United Nations General Assembly.
Given the battles in Gaza and Ukraine, there was little hope for such a truce, Smith argued. Conversely, the event provoked allegations of unfairness due to Israel’s inclusion of 88 athletes.
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Despite the Palestinian Olympic Committee’s appeal for Israel to be barred from competing due to the conflict in Gaza, the request was ignored.
SNCF recommended customers postpone their excursions and avoid rail terminals. This weekend, many French families will also be taking their summer vacation.
According to SNCF CEO Jean-Pierre Farandou, the situation affected 800,000 passengers.
