French Telecom Installations Targeted in Vandalism Spree

Vandalism against telecom installations of French companies SFR and Bouygues Telecom has been reported, causing disruptions in fixed-line services. The incidents occurred in multiple regions of France. This follows sabotage on the French high-speed rail network, leading to significant commuter delays. One far-left extremist has been arrested in relation to the rail attacks.

Vandalism against telecom installations owned by SFR and Bouygues Telecom was reported Monday, citing unnamed sources, according to Le Parisien and BFM TV.

SFR and Bouygues have not responded to requests for comments. Reports indicate that cables in electrical cabinets were cut in southern France, and installations in the Meuse region near Luxembourg and the Oise area near Paris were vandalised, primarily affecting fixed-line services.

France's high-speed rail network faced sabotage last Friday, with signal substations and cables attacked before dawn, disrupting travel hours before the Paris Olympics opening ceremony. Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin announced the arrest of a far-left extremist in connection with the rail attacks. Normal traffic resumed Monday morning, affecting 800,000 people and causing 100,000 train cancellations. It's unclear if the telecom vandalism is linked to the rail sabotage.

(With inputs from agencies.)