Polish Border Guard Sgt. Mateusz Sitek Killed by Migrants at Belarus Border, New Law Allows Live Ammunition

Jul 12, 2024, 11:18 PM

A Polish border guard, 21-year-old Sgt. Mateusz Sitek, was killed by spear-throwing migrants attempting to cross the border from Belarus in May. The incident is part of a larger surge in illegal crossings, which Polish officials attribute to a tactic in Russia's hybrid war against the West. The migrants, primarily from North Africa and the Middle East, have been clashing with Polish soldiers and border guards, who have resorted to firing warning shots. In response to the violence, the Polish parliament has passed a new law allowing soldiers, border guards, and police officers to use live ammunition to prevent border breaches. The law was passed overwhelmingly with a vote of 401-17. The incident was reported by the Telegraph and the Daily.