Brandanschlag - Attack on rail network shocks France before Olympics
Attacks on the French railway network caused chaos and disruptions just before the opening of the Olympics. Unknown individuals laid incendiary devices at various railway stations and fueled the existing fear of attacks in France.
The acting French Prime Minister, Gabriel Attal, referred to "coordinated sabotage acts." SNCF's CEO, Jean-Pierre Farandou, also believes it was a planned act, as the damage occurred at railway switches. The French prosecutor's office has already launched investigations. However, the exact motives behind the act are still unclear. According to SNCF, there were arson attacks on three axes: the East axis from Paris to Strasbourg; the North axis, including the Eurostar to the English Channel and London; and the Atlantic axis from Paris to Southwest. SNCF prevented an attack on the Southeast axis. Therefore, the attacks occurred in Courtalain, Croisilles, and Pagny-sur-Moselle.
Travelers and Olympic fans may need a lot of patience
The impact on the French railway network is significant and will likely be noticeable throughout the weekend. According to French railway, approximately 800,000 people will have to deal with disruptions and cancellations. Every second train to the east, north, and every fourth high-speed train to Bordeaux will be affected, announced the acting transport minister Patrice Vergriete.
There are currently no direct restrictions on the sporting events at the Stade de France in the north of Paris - where rugby matches and athletics competitions are taking place. However, initial restrictions on the sporting events were kept in check because no training or competition was scheduled on Friday.
The German Railways assume that the attacks will have negligible effects on rail traffic in Germany. However, there may be delays for trains going to or from Strasbourg or Paris.
The IOC has no security concerns
There is still no information from the Olympics organizers regarding the impact on the opening ceremony in the evening. IOC President Thomas Bach, however, expressed no concern. "We have full trust in the French authorities," said the President of the International Olympic Committee. All necessary security measures have been taken. The French authorities will also be supported by 180 intelligence services from around the world, Bach added.
The Games in Paris will officially be opened with a pompous show on the Seine. Roughly 45,000 security forces will be in action.
Before the Olympics, police and military presence in Paris has been significantly increased. France declared the highest terror alert level in March. At the end of May, investigators thwarted plans for an Islamist terrorist attack on a football match during the Olympics.
- The disruptions in the French railway network, leading to cancellations and delays, are causing frustration for travelers heading to the Olympic Games in Strasbourg.
- The acts of sabotage on SNCF's railway switches are being investigated by the Public Prosecutor's Office in France, aiming to uncover the perpetrators and their motives.
- Gabriel Attal, the French Prime Minister, has urged the public to stay patient and reminded them of the importance of unity during these challenging times.
- Germany is anticipated to experience some delays in rail traffic heading to or from Strasbourg and Paris due to the attacks on the French railway network.
- The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has expressed no security concerns regarding the Olympic Games in Paris, trusting in the French authorities' abilities to ensure safety.
- Approximately 800,000 people are expected to be affected by the disruptions in French railway traffic, with every second train to the east and every fourth high-speed train to Bordeaux being impacted, according to the acting transport minister.
- Before the Olympics, France had already increased its police and military presence in Paris and declared the highest terror alert level in March, following thwarted plans for an Islamist terrorist attack.
- The opening ceremony of the Olympics in Paris is scheduled to take place on the Seine, with 45,000 security forces on duty to ensure safety and maintain order during the event.
