The Franco-Swiss airport of Basel-Mulhouse has resumed operations after being evacuated and closed on Friday due to a bomb threat. This incident happened just hours before the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics 2024.
According to French police, the alert caused significant disruption at the airport, but it is not yet clear if the evacuation is connected to other incidents in Paris.
Arson Attacks Disrupt French Rail Network
Earlier on Friday, vandals targeted France’s high-speed train network, causing major disruptions. The attacks hit several key rail lines connecting Paris to cities like Lille, Bordeaux, and Strasbourg. The state-owned railway operator, SNCF, reported that arsonists deliberately set fires to damage rail installations. As a result, train services have been severely disrupted, and the SNCF has urged travelers to postpone their journeys.
The rail network is experiencing extensive delays and cancellations. Trains are being sent back to their starting points, and repairs are ongoing. The disruption is expected to last until at least the end of the weekend. The SNCF described the incidents as deliberate acts of vandalism and condemned the attacks on their infrastructure.
Heightened Security for Paris Olympics
The attacks on the rail network have added to the sense of unease ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics opening ceremony. France has mobilized a massive security operation to protect the event, deploying more than 45,000 police officers, 10,000 soldiers, and 2,000 private security agents. Additional measures include snipers on rooftops and drones monitoring the air.
The French government has condemned the vandalism. Transport Minister Patrice Vergriete labeled the attacks as criminal, while the Paris police chief stated that security at major train stations would be further increased. Sports Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera also denounced the attacks, emphasizing that targeting the games is an attack on France itself.
At the Gare de L’Est station in Paris, traveler Corinne Lecocq faced delays due to the cancellation of her train to Strasbourg. Despite the inconvenience, she remained patient, noting that she was on holiday and could afford to wait.
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