Vandalism Disrupts High-Speed Rail Ahead of Olympics

Hours before the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics, France's high-speed rail network suffered extensive sabotage, including arson attacks that paralyzed travel to and from the capital. Transport Minister Patrice Vergriete described these incidents as 'criminal acts,' with disruptions affecting hundreds of thousands of travelers and anticipated to last through the weekend. The state-owned railway operator, SNCF, reported damage to signaling installations across multiple lines, causing significant delays and cancellations. Initial investigations suggest involvement from hardline leftist militants or environmental activists, but no group has claimed responsibility yet. With heightened security measures in place due to the Olympics, the attacks have raised concerns about safety during the global event, with over 300,000 spectators expected to gather along the Seine River for the ceremony. Travelers have been urged to postpone their journeys as the situation continues to develop.