Germany condemns railroad vandalism in France ahead of 2024 Olympic Games

The German government has strongly condemned a series of deliberate arson attacks targeting the high-speed rail power grid in France, which coincided with the opening day of the 2024 Olympic Games.

German cabinet chairwoman Christiane Hofmann expressed the government's condemnation in the strongest terms during a briefing in Berlin, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

Deutsche Bahn has issued a warning about potential disruptions to long-distance train services due to the vandalism in France, which may also lead to flight cancellations and delays.

Reports indicate that approximately 800,000 passengers in France have been stranded at stations due to the sabotage, with significant disruptions affecting southeastern and Atlantic rail routes. Repair work may continue into early next week.

The attacks occurred amid global tensions and heightened security as the city prepared for the 2024 Olympic Games. Many travellers were expected to arrive in Paris for the opening ceremony, and numerous vacationers were also in transit.

In response to the incidents, the Paris 2024 organizing committee stated, "We have noted the disruptions affecting the Atlantic, North, and East lines of the SNCF rail network. We are working closely with our partner, the rail operator SNCF, to assess the situation."

IOC President Thomas Bach reassured the public in an interview with foreign media, expressing confidence in the French authorities' ability to manage the situation.

French authorities have already thwarted several attempts to disrupt the Games, including arresting a Russian individual suspected of planning to destabilize the event.

The 2024 Olympic Games in Paris are scheduled from July 26 to August 11.