Poland has shot down Russian suicide drones in a dramatic escalation after the deadly devices “repeatedly violated” its airspace during a savage attack on Ukraine
Poland has blasted Russian suicide drones out of the sky in a dramatic escalation after the deadly devices “repeatedly violated” its airspace during a brutal assault on Ukraine.
The NATO member was compelled to deploy its air defences in the early hours of Wednesday to destroy the threatening aircraft in what is believed to be its first direct military confrontation with Russian forces since the Ukraine conflict commenced.
Frightened locals have been desperately told to remain indoors as Polish Armed forces “identified and neutralise the objects” in a nerve-wracking military operation. The development comes after experts warned of Putin’s plans to seize land in two EU countries.
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The worrying escalation also witnessed NATO jets urgently scramble into action in Slovakia and Romania due to the growing dangers from despot Vladimir Putin, reports the Express.
Russia has yet to comment on the incident.
Historic first confrontation between Poland and Putin’s forces
Wednesday’s military confrontation between Poland and Russia marked the first such encounter since the savage invasion of Ukraine in 2022 – a development viewed as a perilous escalation by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The NATO member’s army command disclosed its airspace was breached by “drone-type objects” during Russia’s ruthless bombardment across the frontier in Ukraine.
“An operation is underway aimed at identifying and neutralising these objects… weapons have been used, and service personnel are carrying out actions to locate the downed objects,” it declared in a spine-chilling statement. Military manoeuvres trigger widespread airport shutdowns.
The military has confirmed that operations are ongoing and have advised residents to remain indoors, highlighting the regions of Podlaskie, Mazowieckie, and Lublin as being most vulnerable to Putin’s drone threat.
“The Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces is keeping a close eye on the situation, with all forces and units primed for an immediate response,” it ominously added.
At least one US F-35 was spotted among the NATO aircraft roaring through the skies, while a refuelling plane was dispatched from the Netherlands.
Putin launches fresh missile assault on Ukraine
As this dramatic operation unfolded, Russia reportedly launched a massive new missile and drone attack on neighbouring Ukraine in a terrifying show of force.
Polish PM Donald Tusk issued a grave warning: “An operation is being conducted involving multiple violations of Polish airspace. The military used weapons against targets.
“I am in constant contact with the president and the defence minister. I have received a direct report from the operation commander.”
Airports close as crisis escalates
Poland also shut down four airports including its main Chopin Airport in Warsaw, according to the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, as the security crisis intensified.
There was no official confirmation from Polish authorities that any airports had been closed amid the chaos.
Andriy Yermak, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, issued a furious condemnation: “Russia has launched many missiles, and drone attacks continue, which pose a threat not only to our people.
“The terrorist country continues the war, although it constantly declares a desire for peace.”
Critical military facility hit in aerial bombardment
The Rzeszow-Jasionka Airport in Poland’s southeast, a vital centre for passenger and weapons deliveries to Ukraine, was amongst the airports that had been temporarily shut down, the FAA disclosed.
Russia’s defence ministry has yet to officially acknowledge the explosive incident that has shaken NATO.
NATO warplanes surge into action across Eastern Europe
NATO fighter aircraft were deployed early Wednesday following Ukraine’s air force alert of the alarming Russian breach into Polish airspace.
Commercial aircraft seemed to be rerouted amid concerns of a lethal danger, whilst unverified footage of military planes overhead in Poland emerged on social media.
Poland’s operational command had released an earlier alert Tuesday evening: “Polish and allied aircraft are operating in our airspace, while ground-based air defense and radar reconnaissance systems have been brought to the highest state of readiness.”
Armed forces verify drone elimination
They subsequently verified that “drone-type objects” breached Polish airspace and “an operation is underway aimed at identifying and neutralizing the objects.”
The authorities have issued a stark warning to citizens to “stay at home” amidst ongoing military operations, in scenes eerily reminiscent of wartime.
The military has stated that its actions are preventative measures aimed at safeguarding citizens in regions bordering the conflict-ridden Ukraine.
In an earlier development, the Ukrainian Air Force issued a drone warning via the Telegram messaging app, stating that drones were heading west and posed a threat to the city of Zamosc in Poland.
The number of drones breaching NATO member Poland’s airspace remains unclear.