As the Olympic opening ceremony is set to get underway today, French officials say the country’s railways were targeted by several coordinated “malicious” acts.

They say the reported “sabotage” has disrupted travel, and damaged several facilities.

Government officials are reportedly referring to these incidents as “criminal actions,” and a high number of travellers would be impacted.

Paris has heightened the police and military presence in the days leading up to the games, in an effort to ensure the safety of the athletes as well as the spectators.

Opening ceremonies for the Olympic Games are set to begin Friday afternoon, where some 6,800 athletes will parade on more than 90 boats on the Seine River.

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