Feb 12 • 04:00 UTC 🇮🇹 Italy Il Giornale

Molotov on the Tracks: 51 Sabotages

An investigation by the Bologna Prosecutor's Office has uncovered 51 incidents of sabotage on railway lines in Italy, raising concerns about a surge in such attacks.

An ongoing investigation for terrorism led by the Bologna Prosecutor's Office has revealed a worrying trend in railway sabotage, with 51 incidents reported in 2025 alone. The Italian Ministry of the Interior noted a significant uptick from previous years, where there were only 9 incidents in 2024 and none in 2023. This escalation is corroborated by statements from Interior Minister Matteo Salvini, who has asserted there is now 'one sabotage per week.' The nature of these attacks includes damaging vital railway infrastructures, such as cutting cables and setting fire to signal exchange systems, raising alarms about the safety and security of Italy's transportation systems.

The latest incidents highlight the targeted attacks on critical infrastructure, with the Bologna railway station recently experiencing incidents that disrupted freight services. Such disruptions are not only a concern for public safety but also have implications for economic activities, particularly affecting areas linked to tourism and events, such as the upcoming Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. As more attacks are recorded, the impact could extend beyond immediate logistical difficulties, potentially threatening national security frameworks in place for public transport.

This surge in sabotage incidents reflects a broader discourse on terrorism and public safety in Italy. The sharp increase from two years without incidents to over fifty points to a potential organized effort that could undermine public trust in safety institutions. Investigators must now analyze these acts to unravel any underlying motives or groups responsible, especially as they pertain to events with high public visibility and international implications, such as the Olympics.

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