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The railways “associated with the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics” were victims of suspicion of “sabotage” on Friday, the US Department of State for Consular Affairs announced on Saturday.
The Rome-Naples, Rome-Florence and Rome-Milan high-speed lines were reported to have suffered damage earlier on Saturday, the Bureau said, citing confirmation from the Italian government.
“On February 13, Italian authorities announced enhanced security measures to avoid any disruption to rail networks during the Winter Olympics. These efforts include increased patrols along the tracks and rigorous technical monitoring of train services,” read the Bureau’s statement posted on social media.
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A general view of the Tofane Mountains as Winter Olympic mascot Tina waves to 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 Winter Olympics. (Andrew Milligan/PA Images via Getty Images)
“Avoid disrupted areas and use caution when traveling by train. Use good situational awareness and try to leave any affected areas immediately,” the statement continued.
Authorities were investigating burned cables, according to Reuters.
Authorities have urged anyone traveling on the lines to be extremely careful and allow extra travel time.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Matteo Salvini condemned these actions.
“These are hateful criminal acts directed against workers and against Italy,” he said via Reuters. “I hope no one minimizes or attempts to justify these crimes that put lives in danger.”
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 Winter Olympic Games at the Milan Ice Rink, on February 12, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Joosep Martinson/Getty Images)
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The national police declared that these were “truly criminal acts”.
Similar incidents occurred earlier in the Games, with the BBC reporting that severed cables and an explosive device had been discovered between Bologna and Venice.
“These acts of unprecedented seriousness in no 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 Men’s Figure Skating Team Single Skating – Short Program event of the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics at the Milan Ice Skating Arena in Milan. (Fabrizio Carabelli/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
The Games will end on February 22, a week after Sunday.
