Rail Network and Communication Network Terror... Growing Suspicions of Russian Involvement [Paris Olympics]

Fiber Optic Cable Cut in 6 Legal Regions
Fire on German Railway... Allegations of Russian Involvement Raised

On the 26th (local time), workers are carrying out restoration work after a fire broke out at various locations across the French railway network, severing high-speed rail communication cables.
[Image source=Reuters·Yonhap News]

As the 2024 Paris Olympics are underway in France, the risk of terrorism is escalating following a railway network fire and a subsequent communication network cut incident. The French government has stated that it is still investigating without officially identifying the perpetrators, but suspicions are growing that the incidents were orchestrated by Russia or forces linked to Russia. Following France, fires have also broken out at various railway facilities in Germany, raising warnings that the risk of various terrorist attacks may increase before and after the Paris Olympics.

Wired and Wireless Communication Disruptions in Six Regions Across France

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

On the 29th of last month (local time), fiber optic cables were cut at the wiring panels of telecommunications companies SFR and Bouygues in six regions across France, including Bouches-du-Rh?ne, Oise, and Aude. This caused temporary disruptions in wired and wireless communication lines.

Although no communication disruptions were detected in Paris, where the Olympic events are taking place, French authorities are on high alert following simultaneous fires at various points on the TGV railway network the day before the opening ceremony on the 26th of last month. Authorities have arrested one far-left activist in connection with the railway fire incidents, but the exact perpetrators have not yet been identified.

Interior Minister G?rald Darmanin appeared on France 2 and said, "This is a traditional mode of action for the far-left," adding, "The key question is whether they were manipulated by someone or acted for their own interests," and emphasized, "The investigation is progressing very well, and we will definitely find the culprits."

Fires Also Occur on German Railways... Russia Denies Allegations Amid Growing Suspicions

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

On the 29th of last month, an arson incident involving cables also occurred in Germany. The German government has launched an investigation into the arson of electrical and communication wiring devices on the railway in the northern city of Bremen, examining the perpetrators and whether there was any political motive. Following France, the occurrence of arson incidents on the German railway network has raised the possibility of organized terrorism targeting all of Europe.

Some have suggested Russian involvement. Previously, a Russian national suspected of conspiring with Russian intelligence to carry out terrorism in Paris was arrested, and there are allegations that Russian hackers were mobilized to spread fake news videos about the Paris Olympics widely on social networking services (SNS).

However, the Russian government strongly denies any connection to these incidents. The Kremlin issued a statement saying, "Western media’s mention of Russia as the force behind these incidents is a clear false report and baseless accusation." It also protested the Paris Olympic Organizing Committee’s cancellation of accreditation for some Russian media outlets covering the Olympics, calling it "an infringement on press freedom."