French Government Reports Vandalism of Telecommunication Lines During Paris Olympics 2024

The French government has reported that multiple telecommunication lines have been vandalized in cities hosting events for the 2024 Paris Olympics. The attacks have impacted fibre lines, fixed, and mobile phone lines across various cities. The scale of the impact is still unclear, and it is being investigated to determine if any Olympic activities have been affected.

Marina Ferrari, the secretary of state in charge of digital affairs, condemned the vandalism and stated that the damage in several regions overnight has affected telecommunication operators. At least six administrative departments in France were affected, including the region surrounding Marseille.

This act of vandalism comes after arson attacks targeted the train networks in France just before the Olympics’ opening ceremony. The fires were set in pipes containing signaling cables for the railway network, aiming to disrupt rail routes into the city from all directions. Authorities have not publicly commented on who might have carried out the attacks or why, with none of them stating that the sabotage was directly related to the Games.

Security measures have been intensified along the 28,000-kilometre railway network, with the deployment of drones, rail security agents, and maintenance workers. An ultra-left militant was reportedly arrested in connection with the incident that paralyzed parts of the French rail network.

The investigation into these incidents is ongoing, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available. (with inputs from news agencies)