(FILES) An InOui high-speed TGV train is parked on the Charenton-le-pont railway yard in Paris on February 16, 2024. (Photo by Ian LANGSDON / AFP)

France’s high-speed rail network experienced disruptions due to a series of deliberate acts, including arson attacks, according to SNCF, the train operator. These incidents occurred just hours before the commencement of the Paris Olympics.

A reliable source close to the investigation revealed that the attacks were coordinated acts of sabotage.

“This is a massive attack on a large scale to paralyse the TGV network,” SNCF told AFP, adding that many routes will have to be cancelled.

“SNCF was the victim of several simultaneous malicious acts overnight,” the national train operator said, adding that the attacks affected its Atlantic, northern and eastern lines.

“Arson attacks were started to damage our facilities,” it said, adding that traffic on the affected lines was “heavily disrupted” and the situation would last through the weekend as repairs are conducted.

Trains were being diverted to different tracks “but we will have to cancel a large number of them”, the statement said.

The southeastern line was not affected as “a malicious act was foiled”.

SNCF strongly advised passengers to reschedule their journeys and avoid train stations.

Olympics under heavy security

The attacks were launched while Paris was under heightened security measures in anticipation of the Summer Olympics opening ceremony, which is expected to draw 300,000 spectators and a notable gathering of VIPs.

The parade scheduled for Friday evening will showcase approximately 7,500 participants traversing a six-kilometer stretch of the Seine River aboard a flotilla of 85 boats.

It is noteworthy that this will be the first instance of a Summer Olympics opening ceremony being held outside the primary athletics stadium, a decision that carries significant security risks given France’s current heightened state of alert for potential terrorist attacks.

At the Montparnasse train station in Paris, numerous passengers were awaiting further details regarding their journeys due to announced delays ranging from thirty minutes to nearly two hours.

It is anticipated that normal flight operations will resume on Monday, July 29, as indicated by signage displayed in the departure terminal.

Jocelyn, a 27-year-old student who preferred to remain anonymous, shared her experience upon arrival at the airport at approximately 7:00 am. She had planned to travel to Bretagne but was informed that her departure may be delayed until Monday.

While acknowledging that some level of disruption was expected in Paris due to the opening ceremony scheduled for the evening, Jocelyn expressed surprise at the severity of the situation.