Polish troops in Afghanistan are preparing for heavy fighting with the Taliban who are expected to launch an offensive against the NATO forces there with the end of winter.

The Ghazni province where the Polish contingent is stationed is considered one of the least stable regions in Afghanistan at present.

The current year may turn out to be of key importance to the country’s future as democratic presidential elections are scheduled for August. Commander of the Polish forces in Afghanistan, colonel Rajmund Andrzejczak told Polish Radio that the campaign and elections could contribute to aggravating the situation.  ‘According to our sources enemy activity can intensify by 20 to 30 percent. We are not wasting time and are preparing new tactical solutions and equipment. It will be hot and not only because of the weather. But we’ll be ready, colonel Andrzejczal said.

There are 1600 Polish soldiers stationed in Afghanistan as part of the NATO mission at present. Within the next few months the size of the contingent is to be increased to number 2000, because of the expected Taliban attacks and the announced change of operations by the Polish forces in favour of more offensive tactics.