Sabotage Disrupts Paris Olympic Games Opening Ceremony

In a significant disruption just hours before the Paris Olympic Games, saboteurs launched coordinated arson attacks on France's high-speed rail network, severely affecting travel across northern, eastern, and western regions. The attacks, which involved the destruction of cables and signal boxes, resulted in widespread cancellations and delays, impacting around 800,000 passengers during a peak travel period. Although officials assured that the Olympic opening ceremony would proceed without interruption, Prime Minister Gabriel Attal acknowledged the 'massive and serious' effects on the rail system. The sabotage occurred despite extensive security measures in Paris, as the perpetrators targeted rural areas away from heavy security. SNCF, the national rail operator, reported significant damage requiring labor-intensive repairs, with delays reaching up to two hours on certain routes. Authorities are mobilizing to identify and apprehend those responsible for these premeditated acts of sabotage amidst heightened security for the Games.