Europe | Blown signals

Who was behind the arson attacks on railways before the Olympics?

With thousands stranded, suspicion falls on Russia or Iran

France's train network hit by 'massive attack' ahead of Paris Olympics opening ceremony - 26 Jul 2024
Photograph: EPA
|Paris

FOR MONTHS French officials have been increasingly worried about a threat to the Olympic games. French and allied intelligence officers have worked around the clock to watch for possible attacks. On July 21st French authorities arrested a Russian chef in Paris with ties to Russian intelligence services on suspicion of seeking to cause “large-scale…destabilisation” of the games. Overnight on July 26th destabilisation came regardless. A series of apparent arson attacks on three of the main high-speed rail routes to Paris brought serious disruption to trains on the eve of the games’ opening ceremony. The perpetrator is unknown.

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