The operation, codenamed Tor (Track), began on Friday, following recent sabotage incidents on railway lines, and is supported by the Polish Armed Forces and the Railway Protection Guard.
The heightened measures coincide with a separate military operation, Horyzont (Horizon), which could see up to 10,000 troops deployed to secure key transport hubs and deter potential terrorist acts.
The Operational Command of the Armed Forces controls troop placement, including units from the Territorial Defence, Special Forces, Cyber Defence, engineering and drone branches.
National alert level raised
In response to the sabotage incidents, Prime Minister Donald Tusk raised the national terror alert to its third-highest level, Charlie, for designated railway areas.
A joint operational headquarters, comprising police, military and Railway Protection Guard representatives, has been established at the National Police Headquarters to coordinate the response.
"Police officers are patrolling railway infrastructure areas to prevent acts of sabotage, while ensuring public safety in surrounding areas," the KGP said.
In the Warsaw metropolitan garrison, covering the capital and nine surrounding districts, nearly 700 officers are involved.
Authorities have urged the public to avoid railway tracks, embankments, bridges, tunnels, traffic control devices, and to limit photographing railway infrastructure.
Suspicious behaviour or unattended items should be reported immediately via emergency number 112, with no attempts to intervene personally.
Incidents and charges
The operation follows two acts of sabotage in mid-November on the strategic Warsaw–Dorohusk line.
Near Mika, Mazovia, an explosive device destroyed a railway track.
Near Gołąb station in Lublin Voivodeship, a passenger train carrying 475 people had to make an emergency stop due to damaged infrastructure.
Polish prosecutors have charged two Ukrainian nationals, Oleksandr K., 39, and Yevhenii I., 41, in absentia with carrying out acts of terrorist sabotage on behalf of Russian intelligence.
Prosecutors allege they acted together and in coordination with unidentified accomplices.
Charges include sabotage for a foreign intelligence service, endangering land traffic with a risk of catastrophe, and use of explosives, carrying potential life imprisonment.
Both suspects fled to Belarus, and Warsaw has formally requested their extradition.
The case highlights growing security concerns in Poland, a crucial logistical hub for Western military and humanitarian supplies to Ukraine, amid ongoing tensions following Russia’s invasion.
(ał)
Source: PAP