Vandals Disrupt France's TGV Network Ahead of Paris Olympics

In a series of coordinated attacks, vandals targeted France's high-speed TGV rail network, causing significant disruptions to major lines just before the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics. The state-owned railway operator, SNCF, reported that arsonists set fires along key routes connecting Paris to cities like Lille, Bordeaux, and Strasbourg. Travelers have been urged to postpone their journeys as repairs are underway, with disruptions expected to last through the weekend. The incidents have heightened concerns regarding security ahead of the Olympics, with Paris 2024 organizers acknowledging the impact on the rail network. In response to the attacks, France has initiated an extensive peacetime security operation, deploying over 45,000 police, 10,000 soldiers, and 2,000 private security agents to ensure safety during the Games. While no group has claimed responsibility for the vandalism, Transport Minister Patrice Vergriete condemned the acts as criminal. SNCF CEO Jean-Pierre Farandou described the attacks as "malicious," noting that critical safety cables were damaged. The disruption has affected Olympic train services, with only two of four scheduled trains able to operate. Sports Minister Amélie Oudéa-Castera characterized the events as "coordinated sabotage," emphasizing the need for heightened security measures. In addition to the rail disruptions, Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin revealed that a member of the extreme-right had been detained for allegedly planning violent actions during the Olympics. This incident is part of a broader trend of security concerns in France, which has faced a series of attacks linked to various extremist groups.