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Railways “related to the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics” suffered alleged “sabotage” on Friday, the US Department of Consular Affairs announced on Saturday.
The Rome-Naples, Rome-Florence and Rome-Milan high-speed lines were reportedly damaged on Saturday, the Bureau said, citing confirmation from the Italian government.
“On February 13, the Italian authorities announced reinforced security measures to avoid disruptions to the railway networks during the Winter Olympic Games. These efforts include increased patrols along the tracks and rigorous technical control of railway services,” reads a statement from the Office published on social media.
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A general view of the Tofane mountains as Winter Olympic mascot Tina greets the crowd ahead of the women’s alpine skiing at the Tofane alpine ski centre, Cortina d’Ampezzo, on the second day of the Milan Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games. (Andrew Milligan/PA Images via Getty Images)
“Avoid areas of disruption and use caution when traveling by train. Use good situational awareness and try to leave any affected areas immediately,” the statement continued.
According to Reuters, authorities were investigating burned cables.
Officials urged anyone traveling on the lines to use extreme caution and allow additional travel time.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Matteo Salvini, condemned the acts.
“These are hateful criminal acts directed at workers and at Italy,” he said via Reuters. “I hope that no one minimizes or tries to justify these crimes that put lives at risk.”
General view as gold medalist Xandra Velzeboer of Team Netherlands, silver medalist Arianna Fontana of Team Italy and bronze medalist Courtney Sarault of Team Canada participate in the national anthem during the medal ceremony for the Women’s 500m Short Track Speed Skating on the sixth day of the Milan Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at the Milan Ice Skating Arena on February 12, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Joosep Martinson/Getty Images)
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The national police said these were “definitely criminal acts.”
Similar incidents occurred earlier in the Games, with the BBC reporting that cut cables and an explosive device were found between Bologna and Venice.
“These actions of unprecedented severity do not in any way tarnish the image of Italy in the world, an image that the Games will make even more convincing and positive,” Salvini said at the time of the first incident.
A general view inside the arena during the figure skating team event Men’s Single Skating – Short Program of the Milan Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at the Milano Ice Skating Arena in Milan. (Fabrizio Carabelli/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
The Games conclude on February 22, a week after Sunday.
