A series of attacks on railway infrastructure in Italy, on the eve of the 2026 Winter Olympic Games, have caused serious transportation problems. These incidents have led to delays in train movements in various regions of the country, particularly affecting high-speed trains.
Redaksiya reports that an anarchist group claimed responsibility for damaging railway infrastructure near Bologna last Saturday, the first full day of the Games. This incident caused delays of up to two and a half hours in the movement of high-speed, intercity, and regional trains.
On Saturday, authorities investigated burnt cables on a section of the high-speed railway line between Rome and Naples, as well as two other suspected acts of vandalism between the capital and Florence. Trains passing through central Italy faced delays of over an hour on Saturday following the latest act of sabotage. Transport Minister Matteo Salvini condemned those behind these incidents, following similar problems on the network last Saturday and a less serious incident mid-week. Services between Naples and the capital Rome were also affected, with delays also recorded on the line heading north to Florence.
Italian Transport Minister Matteo Salvini stated that "lives are at risk" in relation to the incidents occurring during the Winter Olympic Games, which will be held in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo from February 6-22. Salvini added, "I hope no one will downplay or try to justify these crimes, because these crimes put lives at risk." Salvini stated in his declaration, "These are hateful criminal acts directed against workers and Italy." These incidents coincide with Italy hosting the Winter Olympic Games in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo.