Lithuanian authorities have uncovered a growing number of migrant tunnels beneath its border with Belarus, with more than a dozen reported since the start of the year. In the last two weeks alone, four new tunnels have been discovered, according to reports.
Polish Specialists Assist in Detection
Lithuania has brought in specialists from Poland's Border Guard to help detect the tunnels, which have become a growing concern. The Polish personnel are using specialist equipment, including a ground-penetrating seismic detection system, to aid in the search.
GB News reports it has obtained evidence of one of the latest tunnels under the Lithuania-Belarus border fence, allegedly dug by Afghan illegal immigrants in recent days. Dozens of migrants reportedly crossed into Lithuania via a tunnel last week, sparking a major response from authorities.
Migrants Detained and Returned
A total of 38 migrants, mainly from Afghanistan, were located and detained before being returned to Belarus, GB News reports. Lithuania has a 430-mile-long border with Belarus, an ally of Russia, and around 340 miles of it is said to be fenced.
Poland's Border Fortifications
Poland has strengthened its border with Belarus to prevent migrant crossings. The country built an 18ft steel wall along its eastern frontier with Belarus in 2022, stretching around 116 miles. Earlier this year, it was claimed that the fence had stopped 96% of migrants attempting to cross into Poland. Poland's fortification is also equipped with technology such as motion sensors and cameras.
Accusations Against Belarus and Russia
Lithuania and other European countries bordering Belarus have accused Minsk of helping to fuel the migrant crisis on their borders. Warsaw has accused Minsk and Moscow of inviting people from the Middle East and Africa and busing them to the Poland-Belarus border and into Poland.
General Rustamas Liubajevas, Commander of Lithuania's State Border Guard Service, said the nature of the tunnels had led him to believe "the migrants are not working alone." "They wouldn't be able to go through with this without logistical support from the Belarusian authorities, as they need a lot of material like wood to strengthen the tunnels' walls," he said, according to GB News.
Belarus and Russia have denied helping to facilitate migrants crossing into neighbouring nations.
