France: Rail network hit by 'malicious' arson attacks ahead of Paris Olympics

The malicious activities reportedly attempt to paralyse the high-speed network of the country at a time when the nation is hosting the grand sporting event with visitors from multiple nations and sportsmen arriving in the French capital city.

SCNF has asked travellers to avoid train travel.

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SNCF is advising travellers "not to go to the station" - a reminder only the Atlantique, Nord and Est lines of the TGV network are impacted, BBC reported.

The journeys of about 800,000 travelers will be affected by what French authorities have called “coordinated malicious acts” on French train lines, France’s state railways company SNCF told CNN.

French Prime Minister  Gabriel Attal described the episode as an 'act of sabotage.

"Early this morning, acts of sabotage were carried out in a prepared and coordinated manner on SNCF installations," he said. "The consequences on the rail network are massive and serious," the PM said.

" I think of all the French people, all the families, who were preparing to go on vacation. I share their anger and salute their patience, their understanding and the civic-mindedness they demonstrate," he said. He said the French intelligence services and law enforcement are trying to find and punish the perpetrators of the criminal acts. 

French transport minister condemned the development.

He posted on X: "Coordinated malicious acts targeted several TGV lines last night and will seriously disrupt traffic until this weekend. I strongly condemn these criminal actions which will compromise the vacation departures of many French people. A big thank you to the #SNCF teams, on the bridge to restore traffic conditions as quickly as possible."

Eurostar, the high-speed train service connecting the United Kingdom with France, has been forced cancelled amid disruption.

“Due to coordinated acts of malice in France, affecting the high speed line between Paris and Lille, all high-speed trains going to and coming from Paris are being diverted via the classic line today Friday 26 July. This extends the journey time by around an hour and a half. Several trains have been cancelled,” Eurostar said in a statement to CNN.

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