French TGV network hit by arson attack ahead of Paris Olympics
French railway operator SNCF announced on Friday that it had fallen victim to a "massive attack aimed at paralyzing the network of high-speed trains (TGV)." The attack occurred several hours before the opening ceremony of the Summer Olympics in Paris.
AFP reported that the attack occurred during the night from Thursday to Friday. TGV traffic on several routes was disrupted, and the media reported significant difficulties. All customers received text messages with information about changes to train schedules.
According to SNCF, the disruptions are expected to last through the weekend. Their source is arson near the TGV tracks. According to AFP, based on its sources, it may involve acts of sabotage. One of the attacks was "foiled."
According to the media, so far, there is no evidence connecting the attacks with the Olympic Games, whose opening ceremony is set to take place this evening in Paris.
Outgoing Minister of Sports Amélie Oudéa-Castéra criticized the attacks. "Actions against the Games are actions against France; they are actions against one's own camp," she said in an interview with BFM TV.
