Massive’ attacks target France rail system
France’s high-speed TGV rail network has been targeted by “malicious acts” including extreme vandalism and arson, trains operator SNCF has said, just hours before the Olympic Games in Paris are set to open.
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French train operator SNCF said the only unaffected high-speed rail lines are in the southeast of the country.
SNCF:
“SNCF was the victim of several simultaneous malicious acts overnight.
The southeastern line was not affected as a malicious act was foiled.”
Reporting from the Associated Press:
Outgoing French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal said sabotage and arson that hit key parts of France’s rail network on the eve of the Olympics had “a clear objective: blocking the high-speed train network.”
He said the vandals strategically targeted the main routes from the north, east and west toward Paris, hours before the city hosts the Olympics opening ceremony.
Speaking to reporters Attal said there will be “massive consequences,” with “hundreds of thousands” of people stuck while trying to visit Paris for the Games or vacations.