Information
French authorities are investigating the involvement of far-left extremist groups in a major attack on the country’s rail network that disrupted high-speed trains over the weekend. An activist linked to a far-left movement was arrested at a railway site in Oissel, allegedly possessing access keys to SNCF technical premises, tools, and far-left literature. Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin stated that the saboteurs’ methods suggested far-left extremist involvement, although he cautioned against drawing immediate conclusions, noting that the perpetrators could have been manipulated. Authorities have identified several suspects but are proceeding with caution in their investigation.
Despite the weekend’s disruption, high-speed train services were back to normal by Monday, coinciding with the opening of the 2024 Olympics in Paris. The sabotage cost is expected to reach millions of euros, covering both commercial losses and repair expenses. In response, Darmanin announced the deployment of 50 drones, 250 rail security agents, and 1,000 maintenance workers to enhance security across the 28,000-kilometer high-speed rail network. Additionally, authorities arrested 45 members of the Extinction Rebellion group, who had planned protests against the Olympics’ social and ecological impact. In a separate incident, several telecommunications operators reported sabotage of their fibre optic networks in six areas of France on Monday.
Source: AFP, Reuters
So what
While France has a long history of left-wing terrorist attacks, interestingly, it goes against what numerous intelligence agencies and online commentators have been speculating (mostly blaming Iran or Russia). Saying that, even if the suspect is a member of a left-wing terror group, it is possible that funding and/or planning was provided by a state actor through their intelligence services. Regardless of who is responsible, this disruption is a hit to the reputation of French security and intelligence services. Sadly, as there has already been another incident, it is highly likely the Olympics will continue to be the target of hybrid warfare.
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