Lithuania Detects Third Tunnel Suspected of Facilitating Belarus Migration

Lithuanian border guards have detected a third tunnel near the village of Latežeris in the Druskininkai municipality, raising concerns about its use for illegal migration from Belarus. The tunnel was discovered approximately 1.5 meters beneath the physical border barrier, according to reports from August.

This discovery mirrors similar findings, including one by Latvian officials on their territory the previous Tuesday. The situation prompted Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius to issue a warning, characterizing underground tunnels as a potential new vector for illegal migration and other "dangerously threatening actions." He stressed Lithuania's need to develop technological countermeasures.

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The tunnels dug, naturally, may not be used solely for contraband purposes, and this poses additional questions and risks for us. Therefore, cooperation with the Ministry of the Interior is being strengthened and will continue to be developed.

Rustamas Liubajevas, head of the Lithuanian State Border Guard Service (VSAT), stated that the VSAT has recorded 12 attempts this year to enter Lithuania via underground tunnels. He also indicated that Belarusian regime officials are assisting migrants in excavating these tunnels, which can extend for dozens of meters.

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Underground tunnels can become a new form of illegal migration and other potentially dangerous actions.