KABUL, Afghanistan – Lt. Gen. Marek Tomaszycki, Commander of the Polish Operational Command, has completed a visit to Polish troops participating in the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) Mission in Afghanistan.
“Poland has been an extraordinary member of the ISAF mission for the past 11 years,” said ISAF Spokesperson, German Brig. Gen. Heinz Feldmann. “We are grateful for their continuing presence and impact in Afghanistan. I also want to acknowledge the 39 Polish soldiers who have given their lives in support of the ISAF mission.”
“I am convinced that the Polish soldiers' service brought a lot of good things to the people in Afghanistan. Over the past rotations positive changes occurred – Polish soldiers were providing training and mentoring for Afghan National Security Forces and then the Afghans were able to take over responsibility for the security in the region. An increasing level of security gives a chance for a higher level of life for people in Afghanistan. Having such a great opportunity, I would like to thank the Commander of International Security Assistance Force and the Commander Regional Command East for their support and good commanding for the Polish soldiers in Afghanistan,” Lt. Gen. Marek Tomaszycki stated during his visit.
Since 2002, Poland has participated in the ISAF mission and gradually increased its military engagement in Afghanistan. Currently the Polish contribution is nearly 2.000 soldiers, most of them serving in Regional Command East. Poland also provides staff officers to Headquarters, ISAF and Headquarters, International Joint Command as well as mentors and units to the NATO Training Mission in Afghanistan. In November 2008 the organization of the Polish Military Contingent in Afghanistan changed when the Polish Task Force White Eagle was created and assumed responsibility for Ghazni province within Regional Command East.