Saboteurs attacked France’s TGV high-speed train network in a series of coordinated strikes early Friday, causing massive disruptions on key rail lines just before the Paris Olympics opening ceremony. This incident occurred as France initiated a large-scale security operation, deploying tens of thousands of police and soldiers to secure the capital, pulling security resources from across the country.
The SNCF, France’s state-owned railway operator, reported damage to signal boxes on lines linking Paris with cities like Lille, Bordeaux, and Strasbourg. An attempt to sabotage the Paris-Marseille line was foiled. The sabotage left hundreds of thousands of passengers stranded at stations.
Transport Minister Patrice Vergriete, addressing the media at Gare du Nord, confirmed that these acts were criminal. Although no group has claimed responsibility, initial suspicions are directed towards hardline leftist militants or environmental activists. The attacks come at a time of heightened vigilance, with more than 300,000 spectators expected for the opening ceremony along the River Seine.
Travelers have been advised by the SNCF to delay their journeys. Repairs are ongoing, but disruptions will likely continue through the weekend. Trains are being redirected to their starting points as repairs proceed on the Atlantic, Northern, and Eastern high-speed lines. According to SNCF chief Jean-Pierre Farandou, about 800,000 customers have been impacted, with thousands of rail workers deployed to fix the damage.
Valerie Pecresse, president of the Paris region, described the attacks as a deliberate attempt to destabilize France. To secure the opening ceremony, 45,000 police, 10,000 soldiers, and 2,000 private security agents have been deployed. While Paris is heavily fortified, the rest of the country has lighter security, raising concerns about further incidents.
Paris 2024 organizers are working closely with the SNCF to manage the situation. Travel to Paris from other regions is now more challenging. Some teams, like the U.S. basketball team, planned to travel to Lille by train on Saturday. In response, the Paris police chief has increased security at the capital’s main stations.
Passengers at stations like Gare de l’Est, including Corinne Lecocq, whose train to Strasbourg was canceled, are finding alternative routes. “We’ll take the slow line,” Lecocq remarked, expressing irritation over the delay. Xavier Hiegel, a weekend traveler, questioned the motives behind the sabotage. “The Games bring jobs, so this really is nonsense. I hope the people responsible will be found and punished,” he said.
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