Anarchist groups have claimed responsibility for a series of acts of sabotage on Italian railways during the first days of the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. Explosions and arson attacks occurred from February 7 to 13 on lines in the Bologna and Pesaro areas, and later in Lecco and other locations.
According to investigators, homemade incendiary devices (bottles filled with fuel, timers, and the burning of cables and central signaling devices) were used, leading to massive train delays and cancellations, including on high-speed lines, and enormous inconvenience for tens of thousands of passengers. No one was injured.
Statements appeared on anarchist websites, claiming the attacks were a protest against the “show of capital,” “environmental destruction,” exploitation of the Games and its partners, and inspired by similar actions before Paris 2024.
Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi stated a “single orchestration” and possible connections to other actions. Infrastructure security has been strengthened, including drones and AI monitoring. Investigators are searching for leads and analyzing video and phone records to identify a criminal network.