Italian police have arrested seven individuals linked to an anarchist militant network accused of sabotaging a high-speed railway line during the Winter Olympics in February.

In a statement released on Tuesday, authorities announced that a judge ordered five suspects to be held in prison while two others were placed under house arrest. The charges against them include terrorist association and subversion of the democratic order.

Notably, two of the arrested individuals are implicated in a 14 February attack on the Rome-Florence high-speed rail line. Investigators reveal that the sabotage involved the use of improvised explosive devices, resulting in extensive damage to infrastructure, estimated at €455,000 (£393,000). This attack contributed to train delays exceeding one hour during the Milan-Cortina Games.

The anarchist group's statement, made public on the website ispiraazione.noblogs.org, explicitly referenced the timing of the Milan-Cortina Games and expressed anti-militarist sentiments along with intentions to carry out violent attacks on infrastructure.

Authorities reported that the group, primarily based in Rome, has connections with cells in Bologna, Milan, and Naples. Additionally, Rome prosecutors have issued multiple search warrants targeting other suspects currently under investigation across various Italian cities. A lengthy 40-page statement on the cited website also claims responsibility for a sabotage attack on the Transalpine Pipeline in March.

This incident underscores the ongoing concerns regarding political extremism and its impact on public safety during major global events.