In a series of meticulously planned arson attacks, vandals targeted critical high-speed rail lines in France, causing widespread disruption and raising concerns about security as the country prepared for the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics.

The attacks took place before dawn on Friday, as the saboteurs cut through and set fire to cables used for signaling and security at three rail divides, according to French authorities. The strategically placed strikes resulted in the crippling of parts of the extensive rail system, leaving thousands of travelers stranded and thwarting the travel plans of over a million people.

The targeted sabotage occurred at key junctures on France's Atlantic, North, and East rail arteries, affecting train services between Paris and several major cities hosting Olympic competitions, including Bordeaux, Marseille, Nice, and Lille. As a result, trains were either parked or slowed down, causing significant inconvenience for Parisians heading out on vacation and international travelers en route to the highly anticipated opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics.

Fortunately, a fourth sabotage attempt was prevented in Vergigny, southeast of Paris, where railway workers stumbled upon suspicious individuals during maintenance work. The individuals fled before causing any damage.

While no immediate claim of responsibility has been made, the Paris prosecutor's office, known for handling major organized crime cases, has launched an investigation into the incidents, describing them as criminal vandalism and criminal conspiracy.

President Emmanuel Macron, who had hoped for a moment of national glory with the Olympic celebrations, expressed his disappointment over the disruption caused by the arson attacks. The French government has vowed to strengthen security measures to prevent future incidents and minimize the impact on the rail network.

Despite the significant disruption caused by these acts of sabotage, no casualties or injuries have been reported. However, the incident has served as a stark reminder of the challenges in fully securing such a vast and complex train network.

As authorities continue their investigations, French officials are working diligently to restore normalcy to the rail system, ensuring that the Paris Olympics can proceed smoothly and safely without further disruptions.