Arson Attacks Disrupt French High-Speed Rail Network

A series of coordinated arson attacks on France's high-speed rail network caused severe disruptions for approximately 800,000 travelers, including Olympic athletes, just hours before the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics. The attacks targeted key railway locations, leading to the cancellation of a quarter of Eurostar trains and significant delays for those attempting to reach Paris. French officials condemned the actions as criminal and launched a national investigation, with potential sentences of 10 to 20 years for the perpetrators. Despite the chaos, organizers of the Olympics proceeded with the opening ceremony plans, asserting that it would not be affected. French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal confirmed that intelligence services were mobilized to investigate the sabotage. No injuries have been reported from the incidents, which have been described as prepared and coordinated acts of vandalism.