Poland to Deploy 10,000 Soldiers to Counter Sabotage Threat After Railway Incidents

Introduction to Operation Horizon

Poland has announced the deployment of 10,000 soldiers to enhance national security and counteract a rising threat of sabotage. The operation, dubbed 'Horyzont' (Horizon), was unveiled by Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz on Wednesday, November 19, 2025. This significant military mobilization comes in direct response to a series of recent incidents, particularly on the country's railway network, which Polish officials have attributed to foreign interference.

Escalating Sabotage and Russian Attribution

The decision to deploy troops follows several alarming incidents over the past weekend. An explosion damaged rail lines south of Warsaw near the village of Mika on Sunday, November 16, 2025. Investigators also found evidence of tampering on tracks and broken overhead cables on the same route, specifically near Puławy, approximately 50 kilometers from Lublin. Prime Minister Donald Tusk described the explosion as an 'unprecedented act of sabotage,' while Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski characterized it as 'state terrorism' by Russia. Polish authorities allege that two Ukrainian citizens, suspected of collaborating with Russian intelligence, were involved in the railway attacks and subsequently fled to Belarus.

Details of the Deployment and Security Measures

Operation Horizon is slated to commence on Friday, November 21, 2025. The 10,000 troops will be tasked with protecting critical infrastructure, including:

• Railway networks
• Energy facilities
• Telecommunications infrastructure

The initiative will involve multiple state agencies, with Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz stating it would be 'one of the biggest' such operations. Head of Poland's armed forces, Wiesław Kukuła, issued a warning that the upcoming Christmas season could be seen by adversaries as a prime opportunity for sabotage attacks, emphasizing the need for heightened public vigilance. An app is also planned for launch in late November or early December to allow citizens to report suspected threats.

Broader Context and International Implications

Poland's heightened security posture reflects mounting concerns across Eastern Europe amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. As a crucial hub for delivering aid and military assistance to Kyiv, Poland has become a significant target for Russian hybrid threats, including cyber intrusions, arson, and sabotage. In light of the recent incidents, Prime Minister Donald Tusk raised the alert level on certain sections of the country's railway network to 'Charlie,' the third-highest designation under Poland's anti-terrorism laws. This deployment marks a significant expansion of military involvement in domestic security operations, underscoring the seriousness with which Poland views the escalating threat landscape.