France is grappling with significant disruptions to its train services today due to coordinated sabotage attacks. This comes just hours before the highly anticipated inauguration of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

The country’s Transport Minister confirmed the disruptions, which have affected several train routes, including the Eurostar service connecting Paris with London and Brussels. Eurostar has described these disruptions as resulting from “coordinated acts of malice,” impacting high-speed trains traveling to and from Paris.

According to Paris Bureau Chief Allan Katz, the disruptions involve two separate incidents: one occurring between Paris and Lille, and another southwest of Paris, which has severely impacted the high-speed line between Paris and Lyon. While Eurostar trains have been delayed, they have not yet been canceled. The extent of the disruptions continues to unfold.

This incident follows a recent attack last month that resulted in the shutdown of several French websites, which was suspected to be linked to Russian intelligence. Although there is no clear indication that today’s sabotage is connected to that attack, the possibility has not been ruled out. Local media reports indicate fires on the tracks, but it remains unclear whether these were caused by physical acts alone or were preceded by a cyber attack.

In light of these events, France’s extensive security measures for the Olympics have been underscored. The country has deployed approximately 60,000 security personnel, including police, military, and foreign officers, to ensure the safety of the opening ceremonies. With a focus on Paris, some speculate that these attacks might be aimed at softer targets outside the heavily guarded city.

The disruption of train services has raised concerns about the broader security landscape in France, given the historical context of terrorist attacks and recent geopolitical tensions. With the Olympics expected to attract a global audience, the stakes are high for France to maintain its image and ensure a successful event.

As the situation develops, authorities are continuing their investigations into the attacks, with security agencies closely monitoring the potential links to broader international conflicts.