PARIS: France is grappling with another crisis as fibre optic networks across several regions were reportedly sabotaged, according to police statements on Monday. The sabotage has affected telecommunications in six areas, though Paris remains unaffected by the disruptions.
This latest incident follows a series of coordinated attacks that severely disrupted France’s high-speed train services just days before the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics. The sabotage of the fibre optic networks exacerbates the ongoing strain on France’s infrastructure.
The fibre optic sabotage comes in the wake of a major disruption over the weekend that paralyzed the high-speed train network. The attacks caused extensive delays and cancellations, impacting approximately 800,000 travelers.
Transport Minister Patrice Vergriete confirmed that while the disruptions were significant, efforts to restore services allowed 700,000 travelers to complete their journeys, leaving about 100,000 persons affected by train cancellations.
In response to the incidents, heightened security measures have been implemented across France’s 28,000-kilometre (17,400-mile) high-speed train network. The government has deployed 50 drones, 250 rail security agents, and 1,000 maintenance workers to safeguard and repair the infrastructure.
The timing of these attacks, occurring amidst ongoing Olympic Games, has intensified scrutiny and concern over the vulnerability of critical infrastructure.
