Polish gov’t launches coordinated security mission after railway sabotage
Poland will activate Operation Horyzont ("Horizon") to reinforce security, protect critical infrastructure and coordinate state services in response to recent acts of rail sabotage, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz has said.
Speaking at a joint press conference on Wednesday with Interior Minister Marcin Kierwinski, Kosiniak-Kamysz said the mission would involve up to 10,000 soldiers and introduce joint patrols and enhanced collaboration between the armed forces, police and other state institutions.
"This is one of the largest operations of its kind. Poland is prepared to every resource at its disposal to safeguard the security of its citizens," Kosiniak-Kamysz said.
"A visible military presence is common across European capitals. Poland is prepared for this. We have the third-largest army," he added.
Kierwinski said that the current security environment requires the integration of multiple services. "In an era of hybrid threats, we must combine the efforts of all state agencies," he said, adding that police officers, soldiers and Railway Security Guard personnel would work side by side to prevent further incidents.
The announcement follows two sabotage attacks targeting the railway connection between Warsaw and the Dorohusk border station. In the first, an explosive device damaged the track, in the second, rail infrastructure was struck in the way that forced a train carrying 475 passengers to brake suddenly and come to an emergency stop.
General Wieslaw Kukula, Chief of the General Staff, confirmed that the mission would begin on November 21 and involve designated units from all branches of the armed forces, including cyber units. "The operation will be led by General Maciej Klisz, an experienced commander in this field," he said.
Kukula added that the mission aims to support institutions responsible for critical infrastructure, prevent further acts of sabotage, and encourage public vigilance. "A key goal is to mobilise citizens to observe their surroundings and report anything that may indicate sabotage," he said.
He also announced the rollout of a new incident-reporting application, to be tested between late November and early December and fully launched in mid-December. The mission will include risk assessments, preventive measures such as aerial surveillance and ground patrols, and digital tools allowing the public to submit geolocation data and photos of potential threats. (PAP)
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