France reported cases of long-distance internet cables being cut as part of the sabotage attacks while the 2024 Paris Olympics Games are ongoing.
Previously, high-speed train lines were targeted in a series of arson attempts before the Games even started.
Multiple Locations in France Suffer Internet Connection Damages
In an X post, Marina Ferrari, France's junior minister for digital affairs, said that several locations are now experiencing damages due to the sabotage attacks. The cutting of internet cables leads to problems with telecommunication providers.
"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," she wrote in a translated post.
The attacks caused localized consequences to fiber optic services and mobile internet connectivity. Internet companies also confirmed that there are issues.
France Denies Cyberattack Amid 2024 Summer Olympics
Despite attempts to sabotage the event, French cybersecurity agency ANSSI clarified that the attacks are not linked to a cybersecurity threat. The French officials are also yet to identify any suspects involved with the incident.
The cables were cut in southern France, affecting installations near Luxembourg and Paris. Le Parisien reported that telecom companies SFR and Bouygues Telecom were vandalized.
About 11,000 clients are estimated to be affected by the vandalism acts. Customers experienced a temporary internet blackout as network operators tried to reroute the traffic.
As of writing, the authorities are already investigating the incident. The affected internet and telecom companies are also working to fix the damage while the investigation is ongoing.
The 2012 London Olympics also experienced outages during the event which was believed to be orchestrated by ultra-left or anarchist groups.
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