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Rail attacks cause major delays in northern Italy
Italian authorities have reported three separate sabotage incidents targeting the country's railway infrastructure, causing significant travel disruptions as thousands of visitors arrive for the Winter Olympic Games.
Incidents and impact
A fire broke out on rail infrastructure between Bologna and Venice, leading to delays of up to two and a half hours. Police later discovered severed cables and a rudimentary explosive device near the affected areas.
Earlier, a track switch was set ablaze near Pesaro on the Adriatic coast. Hours later, authorities found additional severed electric cables and another explosive device near Bologna, a critical transport hub connecting northern and southern Italy, as well as east-west routes.
Government response
Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Matteo Salvini condemned the attacks as "serious sabotage," drawing parallels to similar incidents during the 2024 Paris Olympics, where France's high-speed rail network was targeted.
"These actions of unprecedented seriousness do not in any way tarnish Italy's image in the world, an image that the Games will make even more compelling and positive."
Matteo Salvini, Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister
Salvini told AFP that the attacks shared similarities in method and timing with the French sabotage. Police are investigating but have not identified any suspects or received claims of responsibility.
Disruptions and recovery
Bologna's high-speed rail service, operated by the state-owned railway, was temporarily suspended but resumed operations by Saturday afternoon. The opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics took place on Friday evening across Milan, Cortina, and two other locations in northeastern Italy, all accessible by train from Venice.
Olympic events spread across northern Italy
The Games span hundreds of miles in northern Italy, including venues in the Alps and the Dolomite mountains. Authorities have not indicated whether the attacks were directly linked to the Olympics, but the timing has raised concerns.
