Polish contingents in Middle East operate on stringent protocols - minister
Polish military contingents stationed in the Middle East have been placed on the highest level of readiness, Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz has confirmed, following recent US and Israeli strikes on Iran.
Kosiniak-Kamysz, speaking to reporters before departing for the US on Sunday evening, said he had been briefed by the Armed Forces Operational Command and the Military Intelligence Service on the current security situation facing Polish troops deployed in Lebanon and Iraq.
"All procedures within the Polish Military Contingents in the Middle East have been implemented at the highest readiness level, ensuring enhanced security standards for the protection of our troops," he said. The minister added that the decisions were coordinated with Poland's allies, as both deployments form part of multinational missions.
Kosiniak-Kamysz reported that this matter was the main focus of his conversation on Sunday with Elbridge Colby, the US Pentagon's policy chief.
"Poland, obviously, is not taking part in the ongoing operation [in Iran - PAP]," he said. "Our primary task is to ensure the safety of our citizens, soldiers and our mission."
The minister also declared the Poland's Air Force remains prepared to conduct evacuations, should the need arise.
Around 250 Polish troops are currently deployed to Lebanon as part of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), while up to 350 soldiers are stationed in Iraq under the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, contributing to a training and advisory mission.
The United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran on Saturday morning, killing the country's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several other top officials. Iran retaliated with strikes against US military bases in Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Bahrain, and carried out strikes on targets in Israel. The Israeli-US operation is ongoing. (PAP)
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