Poland launches major border operation as activity in Russia fuels concern over possible “serious provocation”

November 3, 2026 / 12:32 PM EST / CBS News

Berlin — Poland launched a large-scale security operation this week along its border with the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad, the country's national police chief said, and the Polish prime minister said the effort may have prevented a sabotage or provocation operation targeting the NATO member.

Additional police and counterterrorism units, as well as troops from the elite military special forces unit GROM, have been deployed as part of the operation, which national police chief Marek Boroń said would run from Monday until at least Nov. 8.

Polish and allied intelligence agencies had warned of possible sabotage operations and provocations during the first half of November, particularly along Poland's border with Kaliningrad, and including possible border incursions by armed groups.

Those warnings had already put domestic security agencies on high alert even before the additional security forces were deployed to the northeast regions of Warmia-Masuria and Podlaskie.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk said Tuesday that suspicious movements were observed overnight near Kaliningrad, including individuals carrying flashlights close to the border area.

He said the quick reaction by Polish security forces may have prevented an unspecified provocation this week.

"We very quickly mobilized…

Original source: https://www.cbsnews.com/world/