Poland launches special operation on Kaliningrad border amid sabotage threats
Photo: Polish military personnel (Getty Images)
Poland has deployed a special operation near the border with the Kaliningrad region of Russia following warnings of potential sabotage. The military and special services have been involved in the measures, according to RMF24.
The head of the Main Police Headquarters, Marek Boroń, announced the creation of a special task force. According to him, the operation covers the Warmian-Masurian and Podlaskie voivodeships and is preventive in nature.
The decision to enhance security came after receiving information about possible acts of sabotage on the border with Russia's Kaliningrad region. Boroń linked these measures to the overall security situation in the country, including the risks of sabotage, hybrid crime, and the activities of Eastern intelligence services.
The Main Police Headquarters coordinates the operation from a command post. The provincial police headquarters in Olsztyn and Białystok have also been involved.
Why Poland has strengthened border security
Last week, Polish authorities received warnings from military intelligence and the special services of allied countries. According to their information, sabotage actions could occur on the border with Russia. In particular, they do not rule out attempts by armed groups to infiltrate Polish territory.
In response to these reports, additional police forces from several voivodeships were deployed to the border areas.
"The police are ensuring the security of the Kaliningrad region in case of potential events that could lead to sabotage acts," Boroń said.
According to the Chief Commandant of Police, a significant number of law enforcement officers are working on the ground. Counter-terrorism units have also joined the operation. The police are coordinating their actions with the military, the border guard, and special services.
Separately, Marek Boroń denied that the deployment of security forces and the strengthening of security measures are related to the crisis surrounding Poland's Constitutional Tribunal.
Recently, Poland has been recording cases of suspected intelligence and sabotage activities linked to Russia.
In particular, on October 30, a 55-year-old Russian citizen suspected of working for a foreign intelligence service was detained in the city of Świdnica. The man was photographing trains and railway infrastructure.
Earlier, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) warned that Russia could intensify sabotage activities in Poland during the winter.
Among the potential targets, they cited railway and logistics infrastructure, as well as the routes through which Western aid reaches Ukraine.
