France’s high-speed rail network suffered major disruptions due to arson attacks just hours before the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics.

Rail operator SNCF reported “malicious acts” intended to cripple the system, causing significant travel delays. Several Eurostar trains between Paris and London were cancelled, and others were diverted onto slower lines, adding 90 minutes to the usual journey.

French security forces are actively searching for those responsible for the coordinated attacks, which Prime Minister Gabriel Attal condemned as “criminal acts” with serious consequences for the rail network. Sports Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera criticized the sabotage, emphasizing that it targeted the athletes and disrupted years of preparation for the Olympics.

Suspicion may fall on Russia, whose team is banned from the Paris Games due to the Kremlin’s invasion of Ukraine, with France being a prominent supporter of Kyiv.

However, far-left groups in France, known for targeting the rail network with arson attacks, are also potential suspects. The incident has highlighted the vulnerability of critical infrastructure and the broader implications for international events like the Olympics.

Malta’s contingent is also currently in France ahead of the Olympics.

#MaltaDaily