Poland launches special operation near Kaliningrad Oblast border after sabotage warnings

A special operation by security forces has begun in the border areas of the Warmian-Masurian and Podlaskie voivodeships in Poland. Chief Police Commander Marek Boroń linked it to warnings of possible sabotage in the coming days, including attempts by armed groups to cross from Russia's Kaliningrad Oblast.

Police, the military, the border guard and intelligence services are taking part in the operation. Boroń stated that the sabotage threat had allegedly arisen because of intelligence warnings.

According to Boroń, at the end of October the authorities received warnings from the Military Intelligence Service and similar agencies of allied countries. They concerned possible provocations by Russia, including attempts by armed groups to cross the border.

The warnings pointed to the likelihood of sabotage activity on the border with Kaliningrad Oblast, including possible border violations by armed groups.

Additional police forces, including counterterrorism units, have been moved to the border areas. A headquarters has been set up to coordinate their actions.

Boroń reported: a headquarters for the special operation has been created at the Police Headquarters; the operation is being carried out in the Warmian-Masurian and Podlaskie voivodeships by police in cooperation with the armed forces, the Border Guard and the intelligence services.

In August 2023, Defence Minister Mariusz Błaszczak said that 4000 troops would be stationed in the border zone, with another 6000 in reserve.

The authorities stress that the operation is preventive in nature and aimed at stopping sabotage and protecting local residents.

Tighter security on the border with Kaliningrad Oblast is not the first step of its kind. In April 2023, Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki announced Warsaw's plans to strengthen security on this border, and in February 2023 Poland began installing concrete and steel barriers at crossings.

Pro-Russian outlets reported that Boroń announced the special operation without presenting evidence of such risks.