Paris: In a series of pre-dawn arson attacks, saboteurs targeted France’s TGV high-speed train network, causing widespread disruption across the nation’s busiest rail lines just hours before the Paris Olympics opening ceremony. The coordinated sabotage came as France prepared for an unprecedented peacetime security operation, deploying tens of thousands of police and soldiers to lockdown the capital in anticipation of the Games, thereby drawing security resources from across the country.
The state-owned railway operator, SNCF, reported significant damage to signal boxes on major lines connecting Paris with cities such as Lille, Bordeaux, and Strasbourg. An additional attack on the Paris-Marseille line was thwarted. The sabotage left hundreds of thousands of passengers stranded at rail stations.
No immediate claim of responsibility was made, but two security sources indicated that initial suspicions point to hardline leftist militants or environmental activists. Transport Minister Patrice Vergriete commented, “Everything leads us to believe that these were criminal acts.”
The timing of these attacks has heightened apprehension as Paris gears up for the Olympics opening ceremony. Over 300,000 spectators are expected to line the banks of the River Seine to watch athletes parade through Paris on a flotilla of barges and riverboats, as part of an elaborate opening ceremony anticipated to be viewed by billions worldwide.
The SNCF has advised all travelers to postpone their journeys. Although repairs are underway, severe disruptions are expected to continue through the weekend. Trains are being rerouted back to their starting points.
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The attacks specifically targeted signaling installations on the Atlantic, Northern, and Eastern high-speed lines, with fires ignited by explosive devices, according to the SNCF. Chief Jean-Pierre Farandou reported that approximately 800,000 customers have been affected during a peak weekend period for French holidaymakers. Thousands of rail staff are actively working to repair the damage.
“This attack is not a coincidence; it’s an effort to destabilize France,” said Valerie Pecresse, president of the Paris region.
In response, France has mobilized 45,000 police, 10,000 soldiers, and 2,000 private security agents to secure the opening ceremony. Snipers will be stationed on rooftops, and drones will monitor from above. However, security outside the capital remains less stringent.
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Paris 2024 is collaborating closely with the SNCF to evaluate the situation. The disruptions will complicate travel for those coming to Paris from other regions of France. Teams, such as the U.S. basketball team, scheduled to travel by train to Lille on Saturday, may face delays.
Paris police chief has announced additional security measures at major stations, which are currently overcrowded with passengers. Many were preparing for summer holidays and some had already faced long waits.
At the Gare de L’Est, traveler Corinne Lecocq reported her train to Strasbourg had been canceled. “We’ll take the slow line,” she said. “I’m on holiday so it’s OK, even if it is irritating to be late.”
Xavier Hiegel, 39, expressed disbelief at the motives behind the attacks, stating, “The Games bring jobs so this really is nonsense. I hope the people responsible will be found and punished.”
