Sabotage Strikes Italian Trains Amid Winter Olympics

Trains in Italy faced delays exceeding an hour due to suspected sabotage amidst the Winter Olympics. The incidents affected services between Naples and Rome, extending to Florence, with burnt cables and vandalism identified. An anarchist group claimed responsibility for prior disruptions during the Games.

Trains operating through the heart of Italy were delayed by over an hour on Saturday after a suspected act of sabotage during the Winter Olympics.

The delays impacted services between Naples and Rome and extended towards Florence. Transport Minister Matteo Salvini condemned those responsible, highlighting similar disruptions the previous Saturday and mid-week. With Italy hosting the Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo from February 6-22, Salvini described these as 'hateful criminal acts' targeting workers and the nation, urging against complacency or justification of these incidents.

Authorities are investigating burnt cables on the high-speed line between Rome and Naples and other acts of vandalism between the capital and Florence. Initial investigations by the national police confirm these as 'definitely criminal acts.' A report is being prepared for Rome prosecutors to initiate a formal criminal investigation. An anarchist group claimed responsibility for last Saturday's attack, which caused significant delays near Bologna. (Writing by Keith Weir and Emilio Parodi; Editing by Hugh Lawson and Clare Fallon)

(With inputs from agencies.)