TechGreek special forces deployment rumours clarified by general staff

Greek special forces deployment rumours clarified by general staff

Greek special forces in Poland? An unequivocal declaration
Greek special forces in Poland? An unequivocal declaration
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Rafał Strzelec

18 July 2024 19:02

Greek media report that the elite Greek unit Z-MAK was supposed to be sent to the border with Ukraine. The Greek General Staff has addressed the matter, denying these reports. However, two special forces officers will come to Poland to take part in joint training sessions.

Greek media are buzzing with rumours about the Greek special unit Z-MAK, which is allegedly supposed to appear in Poland. The ieidiseis.gr website reports that these actions are shrouded in secrecy. Z-MAK soldiers were to take part in NATO exercises.

On the other hand, Greek media point out that the elite unit is responsible, among other things, for securing the islands in the Aegean Sea. There is a shortage of commandos—the ieidiseis.gr portal reports that it could be as much as 50 percent of the staffing in some units. Therefore, it is puzzling why Greek soldiers would be sent to Poland near the border with Ukraine when they are needed in their own country.

Z-MAK always undertakes the most dangerous missions and is an offensive squadron, not a defensive one. This is why its absence in the Aegean Sea in case of tensions will be very significant for our country, note Greek commentators. Although the political situation in the Aegean Sea basin is relatively calm, tensions and incidents at sea or in the airspace between Greece and Turkey occur from time to time.

Greek special forces in Poland? General Staff explains

The command has reacted to the rumours about the arrival of Greek special forces in Poland. The Greek General Staff has referred to the rumours and unequivocally denied them. It was only stated that two officers from GEETHA (Hellenic National Defence General Staff) would go to Poland for joint exercises with Polish soldiers.

Two officers from the GEETHA Special Operations Command will go to Poland to take part in joint training with Polish Special Forces to exchange knowledge and experience in operating unmanned aerial vehicles. The action in question will be carried out in reciprocity to the corresponding joint training that took place in our country (from 15-25 April 2024),
informed the Greek military.

The issue has caused quite a stir in the media. It has been the subject of many online publications. However, a clear declaration from the General Staff puts an end to the rumours. Now the new topic will be the 32 F-16 aircraft that the Greeks allegedly want to hand over to the Ukrainian side. However, there are growing concerns that a significant gap will emerge in the air force.

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