Winter Olympics face disruption due to suspected rail service sabotage

Transport Minister Matteo Salvini has expressed concern over recent disruptions to train services in Italy. On Saturday, delays of more than an hour were reported on the rail network, affecting routes between Naples and Rome, as well as those heading north towards Florence.

The Transport Ministry confirmed that authorities are investigating suspected acts of sabotage, including burned cables on a section of the high-speed line between Rome and Naples. Two other possible incidents involving vandalism have also been identified in this area.

Salvini has condemned the incidents, stating that they pose a risk to workers and the country as a whole. He has called for those responsible to be held accountable and urged against downplaying or justifying such actions.

The disruptions come during Italy’s hosting of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, which began on February 6 and will conclude on February 22. The Transport Ministry is working to ensure that services are restored as soon as possible.

According to reports, similar incidents occurred last Saturday, when rail infrastructure was damaged near Bologna, causing delays of up to two and a half hours on high-speed, intercity, and regional services. An anarchist group has claimed responsibility for the attack in this incident.

Source: Al Jazeera