France Does Not Rule Out Foreign Involvement in 'Sabotage Actions' on High-Speed Train Network

On Saturday, August 6, the French Minister of the Interior stated that he cannot rule out foreign involvement in the sabotage actions that targeted the country's high-speed train network. According to Reuters, this attack disrupted signal stations and cables in France's high-speed train network, causing issues on some railway lines on the opening day of the Olympic Games. The sabotage actions damaged infrastructure connecting Paris to cities such as Lille in the north, Bordeaux in the west, and Strasbourg in the east. French officials reported that another attack on the Paris-Marseille line was also thwarted. No individual or group has claimed responsibility for these attacks yet. Gerald Darmanin, the French Minister of the Interior, told France 2 television that it is still unclear whether the perpetrators of these sabotage actions are domestic or foreign, and it is too early to comment. He added that clues have been obtained, and security forces believe that more facts will be revealed soon. Two security sources stated on Friday that given the operational methods used, initial suspicion falls on leftist militants or environmental activists, but there is still no evidence in this regard. Earlier, Israel Katz, the Israeli Foreign Minister, stated on August 5 in a post on social media platform 'X' that the sabotage of France's railway infrastructure ahead of the Paris Olympics was designed and executed under the influence of the 'axis of evil' of Iran and radical Islam. Katz also warned his French counterpart, Stéphane Séjourné, in recent days that based on information available to Israel, the Islamic Republic of Iran is 'planning terrorist attacks against the Israeli convoy and all participants in the Olympics.' According to French officials, the situation in France's high-speed train network is expected to return to normal by Monday, and the transportation of athletes and spectators for the Olympics will proceed smoothly. Patrice Vergriete, the French Minister of Transport, stated on Friday that due to disruptions in the railway lines, about 100,000 people were unable to board trains, and another 150,000 passengers arrived at their destinations late. The Summer Olympic Games in Paris began on Friday, August 5, with a grand opening ceremony.