Arson attack on high-speed rail network in France causes widespread disruptions

In the middle of the night on Friday, France's high-speed rail network was the focus of an alleged arson attack that significantly disrupted the travel of 250,000 people on the morning of the Olympic Games' opening ceremony. The route designated for transporting the U.S. basketball teams between Paris and Lille was particularly affected. The French railway company SNCF described the fires as "a massive attack of great magnitude aimed at crippling the rail network." According to the SNCF, the network was "the victim of several simultaneous malicious actions," including the setting of fires at train stations. SNCF stated that delays and train cancellations will persist throughout the entire weekend as repair work is undertaken. The company anticipates around 800,000 travelers this weekend and "encourages passengers to postpone their journeys." Additionally, the SNCF is offering refunds for canceled trips.