A Polish soldier serving with the UNIFIL mission in Lebanon sustained minor injuries Sunday after an explosion triggered by a landmine.
Polish Soldier Injured in Lebanon Mine Blast
A Polish soldier was lightly wounded during a landmine explosion in Lebanon, as announced Sunday by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz.
The Operational Command of the Armed Forces reported that the soldier is receiving specialized medical care.
Details of the Incident
Kosiniak-Kamysz stated on X (formerly Twitter), “I was just informed by the Operational Commander of the Armed Forces about an incident that occurred today in Lebanon. During the movement of a military vehicle of a Polish UNIFIL patrol, a landmine exploded. Our soldier sustained minor injuries.”
Soldier’s Condition and Safety Measures
The soldier is in good condition, and the injuries are not life-threatening, according to the Minister of National Defence. He assured that Polish soldiers operating under the UN mission mandate maintain the highest security measures due to the situation in the Middle East.
Support for Personnel
The Operational Command of the Armed Forces (DORSZ) confirmed that the wounded soldier’s family has been informed of the incident. All patrol participants have been provided with psychological support.
Extent of Injuries and Transport
The soldier was immediately transported to a base for specialized medical attention. He sustained minor head injuries that are not life-threatening. The injured soldier is a non-commissioned officer from the 12th Mechanized Brigade.
Circumstances of the Explosion
According to the Operational Command of the Armed Forces, the landmine explosion occurred around 13:10 on Sunday during the passage of UNIFIL soldiers from one outpost to a base. The mine detonated near one of the HMMWV vehicles (Humvee).
Security Monitoring and Procedures
DORSZ stated that the security situation in the area of operations of the Polish Military Contingent UNIFIL is continuously monitored, and all actions are carried out in close coordination with the UN mission command.
“In response to threats, additional security procedures and protective measures are implemented each time to minimize the risk to soldiers performing operational tasks. The safety of soldiers and employees of the Polish Military Contingents remains the highest priority of the Operational Commander of the Armed Forces,” DORSZ assured.
Polish Contingent in Lebanon
The Polish Military Contingent UNIFIL in the Temporary UN Forces UNIFIL in Lebanon began operations in November 2019. The area in which the PKW operates is the southeastern part of the Western Sector – the border between Lebanon and Israel.
Mission Objectives
The main tasks of the Polish military contingent in Lebanon are to protect the civilian population, monitor the demarcation zone (the “blue line”), and support the Lebanese government in maintaining peace and security, in accordance with the UN Security Council Resolution.
Contingent Size and Composition
According to a Presidential Decree, the contingent numbers up to 250 soldiers. The core of the XII rotation of PKW UNIFIL consists of soldiers from the 12th Mechanized Brigade from Szczecin, supported by specialists from other military units.
