On Friday, France's railway network faced severe disruptions due to a coordinated arson attack that targeted high-speed rail lines leading into Paris. The French railway company SNCF reported that the deliberate fires were aimed at crippling the rail system just hours before the highly anticipated Paris Olympics opening ceremony.

The attacks have had a significant impact on travel plans, with approximately 800,000 travelers expected to be affected. This disruption comes at a crucial time, as the opening ceremony on the River Seine draws numerous visitors, coupled with the peak summer vacation season.

In response, SNCF has advised passengers to delay their trips. Many high-speed TGV trains have been rerouted to standard rail lines, although a substantial number of services have been canceled. The Eurostar service, which connects London to Paris, has also experienced delays.

Earlier this week, British embassy reports indicated that over 500,000 tickets for the Olympics had been sold to UK residents, making them the largest group of international attendees after France.

SNCF crews are working to repair the damaged rail lines, but they anticipate that full restoration may not be achieved until the weekend. In light of the disruptions, France has heightened its security measures for the games, deploying approximately 45,000 police officers, 20,000 private security agents, and 18,000 military personnel throughout the capital.

As the city prepares for the Olympics, the security and travel challenges underscore the complexity of managing major international events amidst unexpected crises.

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