The Territorial Defense Force is actively involved in activities on the Polish-Belarusian border. Among other things, the soldiers are involved in catching illegal immigrants or showing assistance to local communities that feel threatened. Humanitarian support is also available to those who find themselves in a life-threatening situation after illegally crossing the border.
In the area where the state of emergency is in force, patrols are carried out by both Border Guard officers and soldiers of the Territorial Defense Force. In an interview with the tvp.info portal, TDF spokesman Colonel Marek Pietrzak indicated what exactly the soldiers do.
“Initially, our tasks focused on talking to local government officials and researching what their needs were. Our support assessment teams continue to analyze this, just as they still talk to the local community. Thanks to these meetings, we draw many conclusions and implement some changes.”
The primary task of the soldiers is to protect local communities that feel threatened by the situation. “Territorials” (Territorial Defense Force) are catching illegal immigrants every day. They have thermal imaging cameras at their disposal so they have “a full picture 24 hours a day,” the TDF spokesman stresses.
In smaller towns, soldiers are lighting up the area and reinforcing and rearming patrols. All this is to prevent possible dangers.
Search and rescue teams with dogs are also involved. The Territorial Defense Force also emphasized assisting immigrants whose lives may be in danger due to deteriorating weather conditions. Officers carry coverings, warm drinks, and meals.
“This is not about repressive measures, quite the opposite. Temperatures are dropping and weather conditions in that region are difficult. We want to prevent hypothermia and help migrants who often find themselves in life-threatening situations at night without food or heating.”
– Marek Pietrzak points out in an interview for TVP.info.