The Franco-Swiss airport of Basel-Mulhouse resumed operations on Friday, July 26 after an earlier evacuation due to a bomb threat. The incident occurred just hours before the highly anticipated opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics 2024. reported news agency AP.
Basel-Mulhouse airport reopens after bomb scare
Authorities have not confirmed any link between the airport evacuation and a series of arson attacks targeting France's high-speed rail network. The coordinated attacks caused significant disruptions to the country's rail services on Friday.
France's High-Speed Rail Network Targeted
French railway authorities reported a series of arson attacks targeting key railway installations. The incidents affected high-speed lines connecting Paris to major cities like Lille, Bordeaux, and Strasbourg.
As a result of the damage, the railway operator advised passengers to postpone their travel plans. Repair work was initiated, but significant disruptions were expected to continue until the weekend. Trains were being redirected to their starting points.
"Last night, the SNCF was victim of several acts of vandalism on the Atlantic, Northern and Eastern high-speed lines. Fires were deliberately set to damage our installations," the SNCF said in a statement.
The coordinated attacks on France's rail network have heightened security concerns ahead of the Paris Olympics opening ceremony. The French government has deployed an extensive security force of over 45,000 police officers, 10,000 soldiers, and 2,000 private security personnel to safeguard the event. Paris 2024 organisers are closely monitoring the situation in collaboration with the SNCF. While no group has claimed responsibility for the attacks, and there is no evidence of a political motive, Transport Minister Patrice Vergriete has condemned the acts as criminal. In response, the Paris police chief has announced increased security measures at major train stations. Sports Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera also denounced the vandalism.
"It's completely appalling. To target the games is to target France," she told BFMTV.
Trains carrying Olympians halted amidst sabotage fears
Paris was preparing for a grand opening ceremony along the Seine River when multiple fires erupted near high-speed rail tracks. The incidents caused widespread disruptions, affecting hundreds of thousands of travelers, including Olympic athletes. Two trains carrying Olympic athletes on the Atlantique high-speed line were halted due to the coordinated sabotage. Additionally, two German showjumping athletes were unable to attend the opening ceremony after their train was forced to return to Belgium due to the rail closures, German news agency DPA reported.
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