Bob James’ Spanish News Headlines – Visual format – Dateline: 26/07/24 – Latest
There are possible delays for travellers taking long distance train journeys today after a targeted attack last night on the French High Speed rail network.
Hours before the opening ceremony for the Paris Olympics, French rail company SNCF says its network has been targeted by a “massive attack” involving “malicious acts” aimed at paralysing the system.
Several high-speed lines have been hit to the west, north and east of Paris.
A number of trains have been cancelled and SNCF has warned that the situation could last “at least all weekend while repairs are conducted”.
The French Sports Minister described the attacks as “downright appalling”, adding that the immediate impact on the public and Olympic athletes was currently being assessed, as well as the potential effect on transporting teams to competition sites over the weekend.
More than 300,000 spectators are expected in the heart of Paris today for an opening ceremony that will see thousands of Olympic athletes sailing down the River Seine.
SNCF said fires had been set aimed at damaging its facilities.
Eurostar said its services between London and Paris had also been affected because of its use of the Paris to Lille high-speed line.
SNCF said its systems had detected acts of sabotage at about 04:00 this morning.
A major anti-drug operation has led to 13 arrests and 22 searches across the Campo de Gibraltar, Málaga, and Almería.
The day long operation, was carried out on Wednesday, by the Nacional Police and the Guardia Civil and targeted drug trafficking and money laundering in Algeciras, La Línea, San Roque, Málaga, and Almería.
Over 200 officers took part in the operation.
They seized over 95,000 euros in cash, four vehicles, more than 600 containers of gasoline, mobile phones, and extensive documentation.
The operation, which also targets money laundering, remains ongoing. Further arrests are expected.
A British yachtsman’s boat sank after it was attacked by orcas in the Strait of Gibraltar.
Robert Powell and two other occupants of the Bonhomme William had to be rescued by coastguards after the vessel had its steering disabled and started taking on water. The London-based managing director said that the yacht was attacked by a pod of five orcas between Tarifa and Barbate at around 8pm yesterday evening.
Orca rammings in the Strait of Gibraltar have become increasingly common over the past four years.
Hotel stays have surged to record highs in the first half of the year, marking an increase of 7.5% compared to the same period last year.
According to the National Institute of Statistics 160.6 million hotel stays were recorded between January and June, with prices rising nearly 8% from last year.
Overnight stays by foreign visitors soared 11.2%
Tourists from the United Kingdom and Germany were the most prominent, Followed by visitors from France the United States and the Netherlands.
That’s the latest from TRE, I’m Bob James.
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