France’s high-speed rail network was hit by a series of coordinated sabotage acts, including arson, on Friday, which severely disrupted travel just before the Paris Olympics opening ceremony. The French state railway company SNCF described the incidents as “an attack on France” and a deliberate attempt to cause chaos.
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Widespread Travel Disruptions
SNCF announced on X that numerous trains were diverted or canceled, urging travelers to delay their trips and avoid stations. Although services partially resumed by Friday afternoon, widespread disruptions continued. The attacks targeted the Atlantic, Northern, and Eastern high-speed lines, causing significant damage to several facilities. One attempt in the east was foiled by SNCF agents who scared off several individuals.
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Investigation and Responses
French intelligence services are fully mobilized to find those responsible for the sabotage. An intelligence source told CNN that while methods used by the far-left in the past have similarities, there is no evidence linking them to the current attacks. The Paris prosecutor’s office has opened an investigation into the incidents, detailing four separate charges, including damage to state property and organized crime. These crimes could result in up to 20 years’ imprisonment and substantial fines.
Outgoing Prime Minister Gabriel Attal confirmed no arrests had been made as of Friday afternoon. Emergency repairs allowed most trains on the eastern network to run with delays of about an hour, but only a third of trains operated on the Atlantic line. SNCF estimated the disruptions could affect around 250,000 travelers on Friday alone, with 800,000 passengers impacted throughout the weekend.
