Americans attending Olympics urged to 'exercise caution' after Italian railways hit by suspected 'sabotage'
The US Department of State Consular Affairs told citizens 'avoid areas of disruption'
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Railways "associated with the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics" were targeted by suspected "sabotage" Friday, the U.S. Department of State Consular Affairs announced Saturday.
The Rome-Naples, Rome-Florence and Rome-Milan high-speed lines were reportedly damaged earlier Saturday, the Bureau said, citing confirmation from the Italian government.
"On February 13, Italian authorities announced enhanced security measures to prevent disruptions to railway networks during the Winter Olympics. These efforts include increased patrols along the tracks and rigorous technical monitoring of railway services," the bureau's statement posted on social media said.
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Winter Olympic Mascot Tina greets the crowd ahead of the women's alpine downhill skiing at the Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre in Cortina d'Ampezzo at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. ( Andrew Milligan/PA Images via Getty Images)
"Avoid areas of disruption and exercise caution when traveling by train. Utilize good situational awareness and attempt to leave any affected areas immediately."
Authorities were investigating burnt cables, according to Reuters.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Officials urged anyone traveling on the lines to be extra cautious and allow additional travel time.
Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Matteo Salvini condemned the acts.
"These are hateful criminal acts aimed at workers and at Italy," he said, via Reuters. "I hope that no one plays down or tries to justify these crimes which put lives at risk."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}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 short track speed skating women's 500 meters at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games at Milano Ice Skating Arena Feb. 12, 2026, in Milan, Italy. (Joosep Martinson/Getty Images)
National police said that these were "definitely criminal acts."
Similar incidents occurred earlier at the Games. BBC reported that severed cables and an explosive device were found between Bologna and Venice.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"These actions of unprecedented seriousness do not in any way tarnish Italy's image in the world, an image that the Games will make even more compelling and positive," Salvini said at the time of the first incident.
The arena during the figure skating team event in the men's singles skating short program at the Milano Ice Skating Arena in Milan during the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. (Fabrizio Carabelli/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
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The Games conclude Feb. 22, a week from Sunday.
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