Underground Tunnel Discovered on Lithuanian Border
Lithuania's State Border Guard Service (VSAT) has uncovered another underground passage near the village of Latežeris in the Druskininkai municipality. It is the third incomplete tunnel found along the Belarusian border in a matter of weeks, with authorities suspecting these passages were being prepared to allow irregular migrants into Lithuania.
The passage was dug beneath the physical barrier at a depth of about 1.5 meters. It ran four meters into Lithuanian ground from the Belarusian side, but had not broken through to Lithuanian territory. The Belarusian entrance was concealed with camouflage fabric, pointing to an attempt to keep the tunnel hidden. Wooden logs and planks were used to reinforce the structure, yet the tunnel remained unfinished.
VSAT has launched a pre-trial investigation into possible illegal border crossing. Conviction could lead to fines, detention, or up to two years in prison. After investigators completed their work at the scene, authorities filled the tunnel back in with soil.
Earlier Tunnel Finds
Two other unfinished tunnels were discovered on 23 and 26 July:
- The first reached about five meters into Lithuanian territory from Belarus;
- The second, roughly 11 meters long, was dug on the bank of an unnamed stream about 9.5 meters from the physical barrier.
These discoveries highlight repeated attempts to cross the border illegally in this area.
Personnel from the Kabeliai border unit of the Varėna border detachment of VSAT said the newly found tunnel, like the earlier ones, was likely meant for migrants arriving from Belarus.
The appearance of underground tunnels along Lithuania's border with Belarus demonstrates the growing intensity of illegal crossing attempts, driven in part by the tense migration situation across the region.
Lithuanian border guards are strengthening surveillance and conducting investigations to counter these attempts. The situation remains closely watched, with European countries also looking for effective ways to address migration flows and secure their borders.
These finds come at a time of heightened European attention to border security and irregular migration along the EU's eastern frontier. They also underscore the challenges facing border agencies in the region.
These recent findings of numerous tunnels from Belarus reveal a concerning trend in illegal migration attempts, highlighting the urgency for border security measures in light of escalating crossings. As authorities continue to investigate these subterranean passages, the implications for both national security and humanitarian efforts remain significant.