Fibre optic networks 'sabotaged' in several parts of France amidst Paris Olympics 2024
In a coordinated series of attacks, the fibre optic networks of several telecommunications companies have been "sabotaged" across six regions of France amidst the ongoing Paris Olympics 2024.
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FollowIn a coordinated series of attacks, the fibre optic networks of several telecommunications companies have been "sabotaged" across six regions of France, according to the news agency AFP quoting the French police. The incidents, which occurred on Monday, have caused significant disruptions but spared Paris from immediate effects where the Olympics 2024 is taking place.
A report by Le Monde revealed that during the attacks on three major high-speed TGV lines in western, northern, and eastern France, fibre optic cables near the tracks—critical for transmitting safety information to drivers—were cut and set on fire.
This wave of sabotage follows recent disturbances targeting France's high-speed train network, which faced severe disruptions just hours before the start of the Olympics on Friday. The attacks, which targeted critical points in the rail infrastructure, raised concerns about the timing and intent behind the incidents.
The French government confirmed that the identity of those responsible for the 'malicious acts' remains unknown. Reports had stated that three arson attacks, which damaged key rail points, were part of a broader strategy to disrupt transportation just as the nation prepared for the Olympic festivities.
France’s national rail network SNFC had said that the series of “coordinated” arson attacks had damaged a number of its facilities and services, while another “malicious act was foiled” on the LGV Sud-Est line connecting Paris and Lyon.
The incident impacted around 800,000 travelers. However, due to swift repair efforts over the weekend, 700,000 travelers were able to complete their journeys, leaving 100,000 individuals affected by train cancellations.
Transport Minister Patrice Vergriete also announced the deployment of heightened security measures along the 28,000-kilometer (17,400-mile) high-speed train network, including 50 drones, 250 rail security agents, and 1,000 maintenance workers to ensure the network's stability.
Authorities have arrested an activist associated with an ultra-left movement at a site of the national rail operator SNCF, just days after a sabotage incident affected the train network. According to an AFP report on Monday, the man was apprehended in Oissel and was found with access to SNCF technical premises, tools, and literature related to the ultra-left ideology.
Monday's 'sabotage' to France's fibre optic networks echoes a similar incident from April 2022, when underground fiber-optic cables were cut in a series of deliberate acts of disruption. The attacks targeted cables around Meaux, Souppes-sur-Loing, Le Coudray-Montceaux, and Fresnes-en-Woevre, affecting internet connections between major cities such as Paris, Lille, Lyon, and Strasbourg. The disruption severely impacted internet services for customers of French ISPs Free, SFR, and Netalis.
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