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From April to August, 12 cases were identified in which migrants attempted to dig tunnels under the physical barrier to enter Lithuania from Belarus. Lithuanian Interior Minister Martinas Katelinas said this in the Seimas, writes Delfi.
“The threat of illegal migration is growing, while tunnels dug under the state border are becoming an illegal alternative for entering the Republic of Lithuania illegally”, the minister said.
According to him, the Lithuanian State Border Guard Service has prepared an action plan in case such tunnels are discovered. The authorities are also cooperating with the Frontex agency and private organizations, testing ground-penetrating radars and purchasing equipment to detect underground cavities.
“Investments in counter-drone capabilities are continuing, as drones have become an essential tool in preventing smuggling”, he said.
In August, media reported that during an incident between border guards and migrants who emerged from a tunnel on the Belarus border in the Lazdijai district, one Lithuanian officer was beaten. During the conflict, there was also allegedly an attempt to drag one of the border guards to the Belarusian side, but the officer managed to break free, the Lrytas portal reported, citing sources.
Following the reports, the minister said that if the information was confirmed, he saw no possibility for the head of the State Border Guard Service, Rustamas Liubajevas, to continue in the position. On August 17, Katelinas said that Liubajevas had decided to step down. Liubajevas himself explained his resignation by saying he was taking responsibility for the service’s activities and for doubts about its work that had emerged in the public sphere.