Winter Olympics hit by another suspected sabotage of rail services
Al Jazeera
February 14, 2026
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The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo have been hit by another suspected act of sabotage, causing significant delays to rail services across Italy. On Saturday, trains operating between major cities like Naples, Rome, and Florence were disrupted for over an hour due to what authorities believe is malicious interference. This incident follows similar problems last week, including a damaging attack on railway infrastructure near Bologna, which was claimed by an anarchist group. Transport Minister Matteo Salvini strongly condemned the acts as “hateful criminal behaviors” that endanger lives and target both workers and Italy itself.
The delays come amid the high-profile international event, with trains between Rome and Naples affected by burned cables, and potential acts of vandalism reported on lines heading north towards Florence. These stoppages are particularly concerning given the scale of the Olympics, which is being closely monitored globally. Salvini emphasized that such incidents cannot be overlooked or justified, as they pose serious risks to public safety.
The repeated attacks highlight growing concerns over Italy’s critical infrastructure and the broader implications for security during major events. Similar disruptions occurred last Saturday and midweek, with authorities working to investigate the latest sabotage attempts. The minister’s statement underscores the severity of the situation, noting that these acts are not just technical issues but threats to national stability.
For readers interested in global politics and public safety, this story highlights the challenges faced by host nations in ensuring secure transportation networks during high-profile events. The ongoing
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/14/2026