site.btaDefence Minister Praises Armed Forces' Role in Deterring Illegal Migration

Defence Minister Todor Tagarev Thursday praised the role of the Armed Forces in preventing illegal entries. "I famaliarized myself with the work of our Special Forces at the border and once again I was convinced that they are professionally prepared to perform their tasks. The results of the briefings show the invaluable contribution of the Bulgarian Armed Forces to the common efforts to secure the border and prevent illegal migration," Tagarev said in the southeastern town of Malko Tarnovo, where he met with Special Forces service persons taking part in the Bulgarian Armed Forces's operation to support the Interior Ministry, the Defence Ministry press centre said.

The head of the Joint Special Operations Command, Major General Yavor Mateev, briefed the Minister on the operational situation on the ground and the tasks the troops are performing. Brigadier General Margarit Mihailov, Commander of the 61st Mechanised Brigade, also gave a briefing on the participation of the Ground Forces in the protection of the state border. Minister Tagarev observed the performance of various tasks by Special Forces teams. 

The operation of the Bulgarian Armed Forces in support of the Interior Ministry as they counter the illegal entry of migrants into the territory of the country started on November 1, 2021. At the moment, more than 300 servicemen from the Land Forces and Special Forces are participating in it, with more than 60 light and heavy off-road vehicles. They do joint patrol and observation missions with the border police, analyze, plan and prevent illegal entries. The arrest in the event of illegal entry is left to the border police.