A series of coordinated attacks have recently taken place in France, targeting fiber optic networks and high-speed train services. The sabotage of fiber optic networks has caused disruptions in several areas of France, with cables belonging to operators SFR and Bouygues being purposely cut in southern France, the Meuse region near Luxembourg, and the Oise area near Paris. Fixed-line services have been primarily affected by this vandalism, while mobile services remain unaffected. Despite the attacks, Paris has not been impacted.
These incidents come shortly after high-speed train services were disrupted on major lines connecting Paris with Lille, Bordeaux, and Strasbourg. The attacks on the Paris-Marseille line were thwarted by night-shift workers. These actions have caused significant travel disruptions for hundreds of thousands of passengers, including those traveling from other parts of Europe.
French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal has condemned these acts of sabotage, describing them as “prepared and coordinated.” The country’s intelligence services have been mobilized to identify and apprehend the perpetrators responsible for these attacks. The goal of these attacks appears to have been to disrupt the high-speed train network ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics opening ceremony.
Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin has indicated that several individuals have been identified as suspects in the train sabotage and are believed to have ties to far-left French anarchists. These attacks were described as deliberate and well-targeted, characteristic of actions carried out by the ultra-left movement. However, Darmanin has urged caution in naming the suspects, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation to determine their motives and potential manipulation.
Despite these challenges, all train lines targeted in the attacks have been restored and are operational. The French government continues to work towards ensuring the safety and security of the country’s critical infrastructure while seeking justice for those responsible for these disruptive acts.
