(MENAFN- AsiaNet News) In a coordinated series of attacks, the fibre optic networks of several telecommunications companies have been "sabotaged" across six regions of France, according to the news agency AFP quoting the French police.
The incidents, which occurred on Monday, have caused significant disruptions but spared Paris from immediate effects where the olympics 2024 is taking place. Further details of the sabotage to fibre optic networks is awaited.
This wave of sabotage follows recent disturbances targeting France's high-speed train network, which faced severe disruptions just hours before the start of the Olympics on Friday. The attacks, which targeted critical points in the rail infrastructure, raised concerns about the timing and intent behind the incidents.
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The French government confirmed that the identity of those responsible for the 'malicious acts' remains unknown. Reports had stated that three arson attacks, which damaged key rail points, were part of a broader strategy to disrupt transportation just as the nation prepared for the Olympic festivities.
France's national rail network SNFC had said that the series of“coordinated” arson attacks had damaged a number of its facilities and services, while another“malicious act was foiled” on the LGV Sud-Est line connecting Paris and Lyon.
The incident
impacted around 800,000 travelers. However, due to swift repair efforts over the weekend, 700,000 travelers were able to complete their journeys, leaving 100,000 individuals affected by train cancellations.
Transport Minister Patrice Vergriete also announced the deployment of heightened security measures along the 28,000-kilometer (17,400-mile) high-speed train network, including 50 drones, 250 rail security agents, and 1,000 maintenance workers to ensure the network's stability.
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Monday's 'sabotage' to France's fibre optic networks
echoes a similar incident from April 2022, when underground fiber-optic cables were cut in a series of deliberate acts of disruption.
The attacks targeted cables around Meaux, Souppes-sur-Loing, Le Coudray-Montceaux, and Fresnes-en-Woevre, affecting internet connections between major cities such as Paris, Lille, Lyon, and Strasbourg. The disruption severely impacted internet services for customers of French ISPs Free, SFR, and Netalis.
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