2024-10-03 21:32:25
Bulgaria could also be a target of terrorist acts by Islamic organizations. Therefore, our special forces and our military police also participate in such activities depending on the degree of threat. This was stated by the Minister of Defense Atanas Zapryanov in “More of the Day” on BNT.
“I said we should be prepared for the worst case scenario, because after Iran launched a direct attack on Israel, the situation escalated tremendously. Diplomatic shuttles started to reduce a little bit, but we see that the Israeli government is ready to respond.
“We cannot say that there are steps of de-escalation – exactly the chosen one. We have steps of response, which is a further escalation”.
We have to watch what that response will be and its proportionality. He was categorical that at this stage there is no direct military threat to Bulgaria. It will not be necessary for our military forces to take any measures, he added. But they have commitments regarding migrant pressure – this means that they will support the Ministry of Internal Affairs for border protection. The other immediate threat is the activation of terrorist activities by Islamic terrorist organizations and their cells in European countries.
Regarding the pager attack, in which the name of our country was involved, the Minister of Defense stated that we find ourselves involved in such stories “purposefully and deliberately by well-intentioned ill-wishers of Bulgaria, who involve it in events in which it has nothing to do.” .
“These meetings are not just expressions of opinion. They activate the state’s system for preparing and responding to such events.”
Regarding the potential influx of migrants, Atanas Zapryanov said that it is expected to be in the order of 500,000 and even more.
“In such situations, part of this flow will be directed to Europe. We have a plan to protect the border. Our plan, if necessary, we can double, even triple our presence to support the Ministry of Interior”.
Atanas Zapryanov also commented on the accident near “Graf Ignatievo”, in which two pilots died.
“The black box inspection report will be ready in the middle of the month and then we will be able to answer what and how it happened.”
He stated that he wanted a broader view of the preparation of the flight crew, of compliance with safety measures.
“We will demand responsibility from the commanders in the chain up to the minister,” said Zapryanov.