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Fires Disrupt French Rail Network Before Paris Olympics. A series of fires has struck French high-speed rail lines just hours before the Paris Olympics opening ceremony in what SNCF calls a "massive attack aimed at paralyzing the network.” SNCF President Jean-Pierre Farandou explained that the attackers ignited fires in conduits carrying multiple fiber-optic cables essential for relaying safety information to drivers, reports AFP. He noted that repairing the extensive network of bundled cables is a meticulous, manual task requiring hundreds of workers. France’s transport minister condemned the incidents as "co-ordinated malicious acts," reports BBC. Around 800,000 customers are affected, with disruptions expected to last throughout the weekend. Eurostar has advised customers to cancel their Friday trips if possible due to ongoing disruptions. The attacks have created significant challenges for travelers as France prepares for the Olympic festivities.
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