France Rail Network Hit, Hours Before Olympics Kick-Off

France's high-speed rail network was hit by "malicious acts" including arson attacks that have disrupted the transport system, train operator SNCF said Friday, hours before the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics.

"This is a massive attack on a large scale to paralyse the TGV network," SNCF said, adding that many routes will have to be cancelled and the situation would last "at least all weekend while repairs are conducted". Attacks affected its Atlantic, northern, and eastern lines.

The national train operator said that the Trains were being diverted to different tracks "but we will have to cancel a large number of them", the statement said. The southeastern line was not affected as "a malicious act was foiled". SNCF urged passengers to postpone their trips and stay away from train stations.

Eviction from Paris 

Hundreds of migrants and homeless people have been cleared out of Paris as the Olympics 2024 kicks off. Hundreds of people sleeping on the streets of Paris climbed aboard buses surrounded by armed police on Thursday, to be driven out of the city.

The group of largely African migrants headed for the fringes of the city in buses paid for by the French government and into temporary lodging until at least the end of the Games. While some living on the streets were happy to have a roof over their head for the night, few knew what lay ahead once the world’s eyes were off Paris.