Poland shuts main airports after reports of Russian drones

Source: BBC

Breaking News, 30 minutes ago

Summary:
Poland has shut four of its airports after Ukraine warned of drones in its airspace
The country's operational commander of the Polish Armed Forces said it "activated all necessary procedures" to ensure the security of its airspace
The airports' closure comes as Russia launched drone attacks at Ukrainian cities close to the Polish border
Polish and Nato aircraft were deployed, with Polish authorities saying they began operation in Polish airspace in the morning

Airspace 'repeatedly violated by drone-type objects' from Russia - Polish armed forces
published at 21:03
21:03
We can now bring you more updates from the Polish Armed Forces.
They have just confirmed that the country's airspace was "repeatedly violated by drone-type objects" during Russia's strikes in Ukraine.
The army's operational command also says in a post on X that an operation is underway to "identify and neutralise the targets".

Polish army says military operation is ongoing
published at 20:57
20:57
Breaking
The Polish army has just made a statement, calling the military operation "ongoing".
It also urged everyone to stay home, according to the Reuters news agency.

Polish armed forces in 'highest state of readiness'
published at 20:38
20:38
Breaking
The Polish armed forces has posted an update on X, saying it scrambled its aircraft to safeguard its airspace.
"Polish and allied aircraft are operating in our airspace, while ground-based air defence and radar reconnaissance systems have been brought to the highest state of readiness," the operational command of the Polish armed forces posted.

Poland shuts main airports after reports of drones
published at 20:30
Four airports in Poland, including its largest one in Warsaw, have closed after reports Russian drones entered its airspace, according to the Reuters news agency.

Two airports in the capital Warsaw - the major hub Chopin Airport and Warsaw Modlin Airport - were closed. Also suspended were Rzeszów-Jasionka Airport - which is the air hub closest Ukraine - and Lublin Airport according to a notice posted to the US Federal Aviation Administration's website.
This comes as Nato and Polish fighter jets were scrambled as Russia launched another massive attack on Ukrainian regions close to the border with Poland.

US lawmakers react to alleged Russia drone activity
published at 20:33
20:33
Senator Chris Murphy, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said that it would "be incredibly serious" if the reports of Russian "aerial assets flying over a Nato country" are true.
Murphy, however, also acknowleged that Poland has multiple times been caught in the crossfires of this ongoing war due to it's proximity to Ukraine.
Joel Wilson, Representative for South Carolina from the Republican Party, who also sits on Foreign Services and Armed Services, called Russia's alleged actions an "act of war".
"I urge President Trump to respond with mandatory sanctions that will bankrupt the Russian war machine and arm Ukraine with weapons capable of striking Russia," he wrote in a post on X, highlighting that the latest development happened days after Trump hosted Polish President Nawrocki at the white house.


Read more: https://www.bbc.com/news/live/c2enwk1l9e1t