On Wednesday, July 30, 2025, command of Operation Safe Podlasie was officially transferred from the 12th Mechanized Division to the 16th Mechanized Division, which had previously gained valuable experience in border operations. Now, as the core of the third rotation of Task Force Podlasie, the division once again begins its mission to protect the country’s eastern border, drawing on the knowledge and lessons learned in previous years. A formal change-of-command ceremony was held at the Zielona Training Center in Karakule, in the presence of soldiers from both the second and third rotations of Operation Safe Podlasie, as well as commanders of the Polish Armed Forces. Deputy Minister of National Defence Paweł Bejda also attended the ceremony.
Photos: Ministry Of National Defence
“On behalf of Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks for your service — to the soldiers of the 12th Mechanized Division from Szczecin, and to the troops now taking over duty here at the border from the 16th Mechanized Division. I sincerely thank you and, at the same time, wish you the best of luck in your service. It is an honor and a privilege for me to stand with you today as we present service decorations — to celebrate with those returning home safe and sound after completing their mission, and to stand with those just beginning their duty — with great respect and admiration. It is you who risk your lives and health, who spare neither blood nor sweat, nor soldierly effort to defend the borders of the Republic of Poland,” said Deputy Minister Paweł Bejda during the command handover ceremony for Operation Safe Podlasie.
In response to increasing migration pressure on Poland’s eastern border, Operation Safe Podlasie was launched on August 1, 2024. The mission continues the Polish Armed Forces’ intensive support for Border Guard officers in protecting the Polish-Belarusian border. A key element of the operation was the creation of Task Force Podlasie, a structure composed of soldiers from various military units operating under a unified command, significantly enhancing the effectiveness and coordination of operations.
“There’s no playing it soft – the threats are real, and you’re facing enormous challenges. But you’re not alone. You have allies — among local government officials, starting from the regional assembly to counties and municipalities. With us today are representatives who support you: city mayors, town and village leaders, as well as provincial governors. Our public services are also present — thank you to everyone supporting our soldiers. (…) I would also like to extend heartfelt thanks to your families. It is thanks to their love and understanding that you are able to serve properly,” emphasized the Deputy Minister of National Defence.
The goal of the operation is to secure the integrity of the border and counter illegal crossing attempts. Since the beginning of this year, more than 15,000 such attempts have already been recorded. Although the current level of migratory pressure remains moderate, the situation is dynamic and requires continuous response.
Therefore, in addition to the forces directly involved in operational activities, appropriate reserve units have also been prepared and are ready for immediate deployment should the situation deteriorate.
The second rotation of Task Force Podlasie, formed by the 12th Szczecin Mechanized Division, is concluding its mission at the border. Since February 1 of this year, soldiers from this division, together with troops from the 11th Lubusz Armored Cavalry Division, the Territorial Defence Forces, the Military Police, the Armed Forces Support Inspectorate, and other military units, have continuously supported the Border Guard, operating 24/7. During this rotation, seven soldiers sustained injuries; fortunately, none of them were serious. The 16th Mechanized Division has now taken over command of the operation from Olsztyn.
Due to increased activity by undocumented migrants at the Polish-Lithuanian border, Operation Safe Podlasie was expanded on July 7, 2025, to include a new component, Task Force Zapora, which operates along that section of the border. Functioning alongside the existing Northern, Central, and Southern task forces, its primary goal is to support the Border Guard in securing transportation routes within the border zone. The core of this new unit consists of soldiers from the 1st Podlasie Territorial Defence Brigade, operating under Article 11b of the Border Guard Act and Decision No. 84 of the Minister of National Defence, dated July 4, 2025.
