France's national rail operator announced on Sunday that it had fixed the damage caused by saboteurs, which had halted train services just hours before the Olympics opening ceremony. Normal operations are set to resume on Monday.
Train traffic on the main line west out of Paris was already 'practically normal,' and 'three out of four' high-speed TGV trains were operating on the main line north from the capital, with no increase in travel time, according to the SNCF.
It is still uncertain who executed the three attacks on strategic rail infrastructure points overnight from Thursday to Friday, or if they were timed to disrupt the Games' opening event. Tens of thousands of passengers faced two days of canceled and delayed trains on Friday and Saturday, coinciding with 800,000 travelers starting their summer holidays.
The SNCF credited its Network staff's exceptional efforts, who worked continuously since Friday morning, for fully completing the repairs on all affected high-speed rail services. Tests have been successful, and the train lines are now functioning normally.
No group has claimed responsibility for the meticulously planned night-time attacks, although a fourth attempt was thwarted by maintenance workers. A source close to the Paris judicial authority, which has initiated an investigation, indicated that the attacks were carried out by 'the same entity.'
A statement signed by 'an unexpected delegation' was sent to various media outlets, expressing support for the sabotage and criticizing the Olympics as a 'celebration of nationalism' and the oppression of peoples by nation states. However, sources close to the investigation noted that it was merely a message of support, not a claim of responsibility, and contained no particularly serious details.
Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin stated on France 2 television that authorities have uncovered several elements that suggest they will soon identify the perpetrators, who did not sabotage the Olympics but disrupted part of the French people's holidays.
French authorities are on high alert for a potential terrorist attack during the Games, which continue until August 11. Tens of thousands of police and soldiers are on security duties throughout the Olympics.
