Lithuania has uncovered dozens of attempts to smuggle migrants through tunnels from Belarus — LRT
Lithuanian border guards are recording an increasing number of attempts to smuggle migrants through underground tunnels dug from Belarusian territory. Officials in Vilnius believe that representatives of the Belarusian regime may be involved in these activities.
According to the head of the border guard service, illegal migrants have changed their tactics and are increasingly using tunnels or caves to cross the border.
Lubajevas reported that Lithuanian border guards have identified dozens of locations where, in their assessment, underground passages are almost certainly being dug.
Earlier, VSAT had already reported the discovery of a tunnel in southeastern Lithuania leading from Belarusian territory.
The Lithuanian Border Guard Service emphasizes that the construction of such tunnels would be impossible without logistical support from Belarusian border guards. In particular, this involves the supply of construction materials, as the underground passages are reinforced with wooden supports.
“So we have little doubt that the Belarusian authorities are either turning a blind eye to this or actively helping migrants dig these tunnels. Perhaps they aren’t digging them themselves, but the work is clearly being organized with the help of migrants,” Lyubaevas stated, adding that the work is likely being organized with the involvement of the migrants themselves.
According to him, such incidents have become more frequent this year, although the first such tunnels were discovered last year. He also noted that migrants had previously used similar tactics on the Belarusian-Polish border.
This was reported by LRT, citing Rustamas Lyubaevas, head of the Lithuanian State Border Guard Service (VSAT).
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