Second Tunnel Found Under Belarus Border, 28 Detained

Latvian border guards have uncovered a second underground tunnel used for illegal border crossings from Belarus, highlighting a persistent challenge along the country's eastern frontier. The newly discovered passage was found approximately 20 meters from the border in the Kaplava border guard's area of responsibility, concealed beneath moss.

This marks the second instance of a tunnel being utilized for illicit entry into Latvia from Belarus. Following the tunnel's discovery, border guards apprehended 28 individuals attempting to cross the border illegally. These individuals were prevented from entering Latvia under Article 4 of the State Border Guard Law and were returned to their country of departure.

The discovery comes shortly after a similar incident on August 10th, when border guards in Skrudaliena parish, Augšdaugava municipality, found 15 people who had illegally crossed the border through a tunnel dug from Belarus. In response to these and other hybrid threats, particularly the instrumentalization of illegal migration from Belarus, Latvia initiated "Operation Vilkatis" on August 11th.

The operation aims to significantly reduce the number of illegal border crossings in the eastern part of Latvia and prevent future occurrences. The ongoing efforts underscore Latvia's commitment to securing its eastern border against coordinated migration pressures.