American Invest Hub
  • Politics
  • Investing
  • Business
  • Latest News

American Invest Hub

  • Politics
  • Investing
  • Business
  • Latest News
Latest News

Who was behind the sabotage of France’s railway network? Here’s what we know

by admin July 28, 2024
July 28, 2024
Who was behind the sabotage of France’s railway network? Here’s what we know

France is still facing travel disruption a day after saboteurs targeted high-speed railway lines in an attack coinciding with the start of the Olympics. As operators try to get service back to normal, a key question remains – who was responsible?

Authorities are investigating what outgoing French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal called a “coordinated” effort. He said that intelligence services and internal security forces are involved in inquiries and urged caution over jumping to conclusions.

No-one has yet claimed responsibility for the attacks, but given their scale, timing and precision, it is clear they are more than just random acts of vandalism.

There are many possible culprits – the opening day of the Olympic Games is one of the most watched events in the world, a tempting target for anyone seeking to cause chaos and disruption in the limelight.

Here’s what we know.

Extensive knowledge of railways

High-speed trains connecting southwestern, northern and eastern regions of French were all impacted on Friday, in what authorities described as a methodical pattern of attacks hitting key arterial routes.

The perpetrators have extensive knowledge of the network, according to Axel Persson, a leader of the CGT rail union. They must have had access to very “precise information,” he added.

Employees had implemented a failsafe plan in preparation for the Olympics, allowing some passengers to use alternative lines that would slow down traffic, but at least travelers would get to their destination, Persson added. “France is disrupted but not paralyzed,” he said.

Jean-Pierre Farandou, the CEO of state-owned rail company SNCF, told journalists that cables – which are there to ensure the security of train drivers – were set on fire and taken apart but again stressed authorities “don’t know who is behind it.”

An act of protest?

France is no stranger to widespread strikes or political demonstrations that manifest into blocked transport links across the country.

The parliamentary election held just weeks ago attracted large scale protests and rallies. However, such events tend to be announced in advance and those behind them are keen to make their cause known.

Environmental activists have previously blocked traffic to bring attention to the climate crisis. But these groups have mostly staged bold and striking demonstrations focused on fossil-fuel intensive transportation, such as on airports and highways, and also make it known when they are behind such protests.

The last major act of vandalism on high-speed train lines in France was in 2008, when steel rods were placed on overhead power cables. Police arrested individuals from an alleged anarchist group from Tarnac village but 10 years later, after a lengthy investigation, they were all acquitted and cleared of sabotage.

Foreign actors?

Recently, France has been one of several countries impacted by a wave of suspected Russian sabotage attacks against infrastructure and other targets.

French President Emmanuel Macron has remained a staunch ally of Kyiv throughout the fighting. Just in May, he suggested that Ukraine should be allowed to use their weapons against targets inside Russia from which the Kremlin attacks Ukraine.

Earlier this week, French authorities detained a Russian citizen in Paris, accusing him of preparing destabilizing events during the Games. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Russia did not have any information on the arrest.

This post appeared first on cnn.com

0
FacebookTwitterGoogle +Pinterest
previous post
At least 30 killed and over 100 injured in an Israeli airstrike on a school in Gaza, Palestinian officials say
next post
One week in against Trump, Harris touts ‘record-breaking’ fundraising haul

Related Posts

Leading Gaza surgeon Adnan Al-Bursh dies in Israeli prison

May 4, 2024

Bank of Canada expected to cut interest rates...

January 30, 2025

South Korea’s birthrate is so low, the president...

May 10, 2024

Pakistan on edge as old dynasties vie for...

February 8, 2024

Ageas to acquire Esure in £1.3bn deal, targets...

April 14, 2025

Italian espresso prices could rise by 66% as...

September 14, 2024

How Trump is using US gas to reshape...

February 21, 2025

Russian quad bike raids, 3D printed drones and...

March 2, 2024

At least 14 killed after billboard collapses in...

May 15, 2024

Britain is hoping its riots have peaked. But...

August 10, 2024

    Stay updated with the latest news, exclusive offers, and special promotions. Sign up now and be the first to know! As a member, you'll receive curated content, insider tips, and invitations to exclusive events. Don't miss out on being part of something special.


    By opting in you agree to receive emails from us and our affiliates. Your information is secure and your privacy is protected.

    Latest News

    • GMS stock jumps 29% on takeover interest from Home Depot, QXO, analysts raise PTs

      June 22, 2025
    • Japan’s rice price surge: what’s driving it and why it could spark a political crisis

      June 22, 2025
    • BofA raises STOXX 600 target amid resilient global growth, warns on Mideast risks

      June 22, 2025
    • Palantir co-founder: US must prevent Iranian nukes

      June 22, 2025
    • Fed governor Waller advocates for July rate cut amid tariff, labor market outlook

      June 21, 2025

    Categories

    • Business (3,199)
    • Investing (2,531)
    • Latest News (2,000)
    • Politics (1,530)
    • About us
    • Contact us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions

    Disclaimer: americaninvesthub.com, its managers, its employees, and assigns (collectively “The Company”) do not make any guarantee or warranty about what is advertised above. Information provided by this website is for research purposes only and should not be considered as personalized financial advice. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendation. Any investments recommended here should be taken into consideration only after consulting with your investment advisor and after reviewing the prospectus or financial statements of the company.

    Copyright © 2025 americaninvesthub.com | All Rights Reserved