Russian operation? Widespread disruptions to the Dutch railway network

Severe disruptions are affecting train services across the Netherlands, including Amsterdam and Schiphol Airport, following suspected sabotage of railway tracks. Railway company ProRail reported that pipes were attached to tracks at multiple locations, causing numerous malfunctions. Police have launched an investigation, but no suspects or motives have been identified yet.

Severe disruptions are affecting train services across the Netherlands today (Tuesday), including the major cities of Amsterdam and Utrecht and the international Schiphol Airport. The national railway company ProRail announced that the disruptions are due to deliberate sabotage of the tracks, causing widespread disruption in the center and north of the country. The incident has led to numerous cancellations and delays, as well as malfunctions at railway crossings. According to local media reports, pipes were attached to railway tracks at several different locations across the country. In an official statement, ProRail said that "materials were found at several locations on the track that were placed there deliberately," and that "it appears to be sabotage." Footage published by the Dutch network NOS showed police removing metal pipes about 1.5 meters long from tracks in the Venendaal area in central Netherlands. The railway company emphasized that the incident was caused by "deliberate interference… caused by human action." The national police unit has launched a comprehensive investigation to clarify the circumstances of the case, but at this stage no suspects or possible motives have been identified. The railway website displayed 15 different disruptions across the country today, indicating the scale of the damage to transport infrastructure.