Sabotage disrupts Dutch train services ahead of state opening of parliament

Dutch train services experienced widespread disruptions on Tuesday due to deliberate acts of sabotage, hours before the ceremonial state opening of parliament. ProRail, the rail infrastructure operator, reported finding pipes attached to railways in over 20 locations, primarily in rural central and eastern areas. ProRail spokesperson Joke van der Cruysen stated, "We are therefore now classifying this as sabotage of the railway infrastructure." The sabotage halted trains near blockages and affected international services to Germany, as well as road traffic at level crossings. The Dutch intelligence agency AIVD is investigating alongside police and prosecutors. The motive and perpetrators remain unknown, though the incident occurred amidst recent protests against the government's budget plans, which were to be announced by King Willem-Alexander.