The Armed Forces Operational Command addresses safety of Polish soldiers in the Middle East

On Tuesday, August 6, 2024, the Polish Armed Forces Operational Command (DO RSZ) addressed the issue of the safety of Polish Military Contingent (PKW) soldiers in the Republic of Lebanon and the Republic of Iraq, in connection with the increasing threat of a regional conflict between Israel and Iran.

Illustrative photo: DO RSZ

“The Polish Armed Forces Operational Command informs that despite the increased tension in the Middle East region, the Polish Military Contingents (PKW) stationed in the Republic of Lebanon (PKW UNIFIL) and the Republic of Iraq (PKW IRAK) continue to carry out their mandated tasks in their respective operational areas of responsibility without interruption.”

“Training and exercises to refine procedures in the event of a threat are systematically carried out—this is a standard part of the training for Polish Armed Forces soldiers serving in all missions abroad. We also emphasize that each Polish Military Contingent has planning procedures in place that define the scope of action in the event of the implementation of additional security measures.”

“Polish Armed Forces soldiers stationed at allied bases in Iraq, which were targeted in attacks the previous day, were not in the direct threat zone. According to the assessment of the Commander of PKW IRAK, the attack on Al Asad Air Base on August 5, 2024, did not disrupt the fulfillment of mandated tasks. The soldiers and civilian employees of PKW IRAK are adhering to the security procedures in place in their area of deployment.”

“The security situation in the areas where PKW IRAK and PKW UNIFIL are stationed is continuously monitored, both by NATO forces, the United Nations, and the Polish Armed Forces Operational Command. According to the current analyses, it remains within acceptable risk limits and does not currently require the implementation of extraordinary measures.”

The Armed Forces Operational Command

The U.S. Department of Defense reported that in an attack involving two surface-to-surface missiles, five American soldiers were injured, and Al Asad Air Base personnel are currently assessing the damage. Four such missiles were also fired at the base on July 26. No casualties or damage were reported.

Earlier, on January 20 of this year, the base was attacked by approximately fifteen ballistic missiles, which were launched by Iran-backed militants. According to preliminary reports, thirteen were intercepted by air defense, and two struck the base. At least one Iraqi soldier was injured.

On January 8, 2023, a drone was shot down near the base, which, according to the American side, was involved in exercises, while Iraqi military sources suggested that it might have had hostile intentions.

On January 8, 2020, the base was attacked by Iran in response to the elimination of Major General Ghasem Soleimani in Baghdad five days earlier by an American drone. Following this incident, the U.S. Army deployed a MIM-104 Patriot air and missile defense battery at the base.

Dowództwo Operacyjne Rodzajów Sił Zbrojnych informuje, że pomimo wzrostu poziomu napięcia na obszarze Bliskiego Wschodu, Polskie Kontyngenty Wojskowe (PKW) stacjonujące w Republice Libańskiej (PKW UNIFIL) oraz w Republice Iraku (PKW IRAK) nieprzerwanie realizują zadania mandatowe… pic.twitter.com/ehLXWA6bAn

— Dowództwo Operacyjne (@DowOperSZ) August 6, 2024

Update (11st August)

In reference to the information appearing in the media regarding a missile attack in the area where the Polish Military Contingent UNIFIL is stationed in Lebanon, the Armed Forces Operational Command informs that none of the Polish soldiers taking part in the joint patrol were injured. Both soldiers of the PMC UNIFIL have safely returned to base.

The Armed Forces Operational Command ensures that the security situation in the area where the PMC UNIFIL is stationed is continuously monitored, and the applicable security measures are being adapted to the current operational situation.

W nawiazaniu do pojawiajacych sie w przestrzeni medialnej informacji dotyczacych ataku rakietowego w rejonie stacjonowania Polskiego Kontyngentu Wojskowego UNIFIL w Libanie, Dowództwo Operacyjne Rodzajów Sił Zbrojnych informuje, że żaden z polskich żołnierzy biorący udział we… pic.twitter.com/f53FAhbvAc

— Dowództwo Operacyjne (@DowOperSZ) August 11, 2024