NATO launches Operation Eastern Sentry after drone attack on Poland
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte (photo: Getty Images)
NATO begins Operation Eastern Sentry to strengthen the defense of Europe's eastern flank in response to the incursion of Russian drones into Polish airspace on September 10, Reuters reports.
"It's reckless and unacceptable. We can't have Russian drones entering allied airspace," Rutte said, announcing the operation.
According to him, the mission, which will begin this evening, will include a range of resources, including air and ground bases.
The NATO Secretary General added that allies, including Denmark, France, the United Kingdom, and Germany, have already committed to participating in the mission, and others also plan to join.
NATO Commander-in-Chief Alexus G. Grynkewich stated that NATO will defend every inch of the Alliance's territory.
"Poland and citizens from across the Alliance should be assured by our rapid response earlier this week and our significant announcement here today," he said.
Drone attack on Poland
On the night of September 10, about 20 Russian drones entered Polish airspace, most of them from the territory of Belarus. At the same time, air defense forces managed to shoot down four drones.
In Poland, debris from 16 Russian drones that entered its territory during the attack was found. One of the drones fell on the territory of a military base. Debris from the downed drones was found in 11 settlements in Poland.
In connection with the Russian attack, NATO invoked Article 4. This will allow member states to discuss the situation with allies in the North Atlantic Council.
According to media reports, Russia may have attempted to attack a NATO base on Polish territory. Some of the Russian drones were flying in its direction.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte nevertheless called the Alliance's response to the incident in Poland "very successful." He emphasized that last night demonstrated NATO's readiness to defend every inch of its territory, including its airspace.
