The operation began on July 7, 2025, in response to continued migration pressure. Initially planned to last one month, it soon proved to require a long-term commitment. Subsequent decisions by the national authorities to extend the operation confirmed that protecting Poland’s western border remains one of the country’s security priorities. The operation is currently being conducted under a decision by the President of the Republic of Poland and is scheduled to continue until October 1, 2026.
Photo: Territorial Defence Force Command
Over the past 12 months, Operation “Safe West” has become an example of effective cooperation between the Polish Armed Forces, the Border Guard, the Military Police, and the Police. Every day, soldiers of the Territorial Defence Forces work alongside law enforcement officers to patrol border areas, conduct surveillance, secure transportation infrastructure, and respond to attempts to cross the state border illegally.
The core of the task force consists of soldiers from the 14th West Pomeranian, 15th Lubusz, and 16th Lower Silesian Territorial Defence Brigades, who serve around the clock on a rotational basis. The operation is overseen by the Armed Forces Operational Command. Command of the task force has been assigned to the 14th West Pomeranian Territorial Defence Brigade, which has coordinated activities along the western section of the border since the operation began.
The past year has demonstrated that the presence of Territorial Defence Forces soldiers provides tangible support to the Border Guard. Joint patrols, the exchange of experience, and ongoing cooperation have increased operational effectiveness and improved responses to emerging threats. The operation has also confirmed the importance of close cooperation among all services responsible for national security.
Service under Operation Safe West requires constant readiness to act, regardless of the time of day, weather conditions, or terrain. It involves thousands of hours spent at observation posts, on patrol, and conducting surveillance. It also demands responsibility, professionalism, and consistency in carrying out assigned duties.
“The first anniversary of the operation provides an opportunity to thank all soldiers and officers for their commitment and service in support of Poland’s security. We also thank residents of the border areas for their trust, goodwill, and cooperation, which have played an important role in the success of the operation from the outset,” the press release stated.
Although a year has passed since the operation began, the mission continues. Every day, soldiers of the Safe West Task Force remain on duty, carrying out their assignments with the same level of commitment as on July 7, 2025. National security has no end date: it requires constant readiness, cooperation, and responsibility.