Poland extends 'Safe West' border patrol operation

Poland has extended Operation “Safe West”, a year‑long border patrol initiative that began on 7 July 2025. The operation, aimed at sealing the western frontier with Germany and curbing illegal immigration into Poland and onward to Western Europe, is now being continued with the same force structure.

Territorial Defence units from the 14th West Pomeranian, 15th Lubusz and 16th Lower Silesian brigades are deployed, forming a task‑force of about 100 soldiers. They patrol forested areas, riverbanks, bridges and road and foot crossings along the border. The operation originally involved 500 soldiers; the current deployment of roughly 200 reflects a perceived improvement in security and a reduction in smuggling activity.

Polish authorities say the decreasing number of troops is due to the success of the mission, with fewer illegal crossing attempts and a shift in the model of Territorial Defence involvement.