Telecommunication operators in six parts of France were hit overnight after fiber optic lines were damaged in what is described as “major sabotage,” following a railway infrastructure attack that occurred three days prior.
French internet provider Netalis CEO Nicolas Guillaume reported that the sabotage took place at 2:15 a.m. local time on Monday, affecting several operators. Images shared by Guillaume showed at least four cables that appeared to have been sliced through.
Guillaume mentioned that the damage impacted long-distance cables, causing latency due to the rerouting of traffic through backup routes. He expressed frustration over the lack of unity between small and large operators in France, which he believed would have provided better protection for the network infrastructure.
French digital affairs minister Marina Ferrari stated that the center for electronic defense communications is working with carriers to ensure full restoration of communications and services. She strongly condemned the sabotage, labeling it as cowardly and irresponsible.
This incident occurred shortly after saboteurs targeted high-speed railway lines, coinciding with the beginning of the Olympics and disrupting travel plans for thousands of individuals.
