Travel Infrastructure Targeted by Terrorists During Paris Olympics Opening

Terrorists tried to cripple the City of Light on the day of the Opening Ceremonies at the Summer Olympics in Paris by setting coordinated fires in an attempt to disrupt the high-speed railroad system in France.

Similar to the recent worldwide technology outage, travel disturbances can be an effective means of disruption.

It was estimated that almost 800,000 people were affected, including some athletes trying to get into the city of Paris for the opening ceremonies. There were no deaths or injuries reported. 

French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal described the attacks as “premeditated” and “calculated.” 

“Disturbing such a festival of peace with acts of violence can never be accepted and demands the most determined rejection,” German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said.

Most of the railroad system was expected to be restored Saturday. France was expecting 15 million visitors for the Olympics.

Also on Friday, a small suburban French airport was briefly evacuated and it is unknown whether it is connected to the railroad attacks.

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