Poland suspects foreign involvement in railway sabotage
Railway station in Poland (Photo: Polskie Linie Kolejowe S.A. / Facebook)
Foreign intelligence agencies were “highly likely” behind the Nov. 16 explosions on the Warsaw–Lublin rail line leading to Ukraine, the Polish government stated on Nov. 17.
Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński told reporters that investigators found evidence of explosive charges at two sites on the same route. At the village of Mika, about 70 kilometers southeast of Warsaw, experts confirmed an improvised explosive device had damaged the track.
“We can say without any doubt that an explosive device detonated and damaged the railway line,” Kierwiński said.
Further south along the same stretch of track, officials discovered two more acts of sabotage: damage to 60-meter sections of overhead power lines and an unauthorized metal clamp installed on the rails, which was severed by passing trains.
Kierwiński said police, prosecutors, and the Internal Security Agency (ABW) have formed a special investigative team and amassed a “substantial body of evidence” that should quickly identify those responsible. Intelligence coordinator Tomasz Siemoniak added that authorities are working to uncover both the perpetrators and the masterminds, stating that the likelihood of foreign intelligence involvement is “very high.”
Justice Minister Waldemar Żurek said prosecutors have classified the incidents as acts of sabotage. No arrests have been made; suspects could face 10 years to life in prison if convicted.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk said he will convene an extraordinary meeting of the Poland’s security council to discuss the incident on Nov. 18.
Andriy Kovalenko, head of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) attributed the attack to Russia’s GRU (military intelligence) unit 29155.
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