A group of 33 US troops manning the interceptor missile base along with the first dispatch of necessary equipment arrived in the town of Morąg, northern Poland.

The remaining of the 100-strong group is to reach the location on Thursday. Also, a battery of the patriot missiles will be transported to Morąg by 20 May, mayor of Morąg Tadeusz Sobierajski told journalists, Tuesday.

"From what I know these missiles will be armed, yet they will only be used for defence. In the event of an attack, such a missile is to collide with another one in order to knock it off its course, induce an explosion and destroy it. The weapon is not provided with a warhead," assured Sobierajski.

The deployment of the US interceptor missiles, to be incorporated into Poland’s national security system, is in line with the States of Forces Agreement (SOFA) signed between the two countries last December.

This is a very important event for the northern Polish town, claims Mayor Sobierajski, saying "Morąg has gained importance in terms of the country's air defence system. It is now known in that the first and so far the only US soldiers fielded in Poland will be stationed in Morąg. I venture to call this an historic event not only for our town but the entire country."

An official statement on the deployment of the US soldiers in the Warmia and Mazury province is to be issued by the Ministry of National Defence in late May. (aba)

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