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Disruptions impacted multiple telecommunication lines in France after another case of sabotage linked to the Paris Olympics.
What’s the deal: In France, multiple telecommunication lines were disrupted after saboteurs targeted fiber optic networks in six regions, including Marseille, a host city for Olympic events. This incident follows similar sabotage on the high-speed rail network, which left many passengers stranded. The sabotage impacted three major telecom providers.

Who’s behind the sabotage: The French government suspects far-left activists of being behind the recent sabotage of telecommunication lines and rail networks, especially in areas linked to the upcoming Paris Olympics. Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin announced that several individuals have been identified, and an arrest has been made in Normandy. Additionally, French media has reported that members of the radical environmental group “Extinction Rebellion” have been arrested for planning protests against the Olympics. It’s unclear if this group was involved in the disruption today.
What France is saying: Marina Ferrari, a top French official, said, “I condemn in the strongest terms these cowardly and irresponsible acts. Thank you to the teams mobilized this morning to carry out repairs and restore damaged sites to service.”
Speculation that it’s Russia: Amid the sabotage incidents affecting France’s telecommunication and rail networks, Western media have speculated about potential Russian involvement. However, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed these claims, calling them “fake news” and “unsubstantiated accusations.” Peskov criticized the Western press for seizing any opportunity “to literally blame Russia for everything that goes wrong.”