*Italy Denounces Sabotage of Rail Network at Start of Winter Olympics**
ROME — The Italian government denounced on Friday an act of sabotage against the national rail network, coinciding with the start of the Winter Olympics. Authorities described the incident as “unprecedentedly serious” and said it caused major disruptions to transportation, affecting thousands of passengers.
According to the Interior Ministry, cables were ripped out, an explosive device was found, and an electrical cabinet caught fire at various points along the rail infrastructure. This forced the suspension and delay of numerous services, including high-speed trains.
“The coordinated nature of the events and the timing indicate a deliberate action intended to cause maximum impact,” a government source stated, adding that an investigation has been opened for sabotage and terrorism.
Impact on Transportation and Security
The disruptions occurred on key lines connecting the north of the country, a strategic region during the Games, when Italy hosts sports delegations, heads of state, and tens of thousands of international visitors.
The state-owned railway company confirmed that the damage affected signaling and power supply systems, forcing reduced service for several hours. Technical teams worked around the clock to restore service, while security forces reinforced surveillance at stations, tracks, and control centers.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities did not immediately attribute responsibility for the attack, but indicated that they are analyzing security camera footage and possible links to extremist groups or networks hostile to the sporting event.
The Italian Prime Minister condemned the sabotage and stated that “attacking critical infrastructure at a time of maximum international exposure is an extremely serious act,” emphasizing that the State “will respond with the full force of the law.”
Games Under Maximum Alert
The incident occurred amidst a heightened security alert for the Winter Olympic Games, considered a sensitive target due to their global visibility. Italian authorities assured that the competitions would proceed as planned and that protection protocols had been reinforced in transportation, energy, and telecommunications.
Meanwhile, thousands of passengers were stranded or experienced prolonged delays, reigniting concerns about the vulnerability of key infrastructure during a time of heightened international tension.
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