DW: Lithuania accuses Belarus of building 12 migrant border tunnels
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Lithuania has discovered a 12th underground tunnel used by migrants to cross from Belarus, DW reports. Border officials claim Belarusian authorities provide logistical support, suspecting Minsk of waging a hybrid attack to destabilize the region. The find comes as Vilnius reinforces its nearly 700-km border, 550 km of which are already fenced.
Tunnel Network
The 12th tunnel was found near Latežeris in Druskininkai, with Lithuanian border guards using seismic monitoring to detect prolonged digging vibrations. VSAT chief Rustamas Liubajevas told DW that up to 40 migrants have been detained after emerging from such tunnels. Prosecutors are investigating about 20 individuals for illegal border crossing and organizing illegal entry, with some facing additional charges. The 700-km border has over 550 km of fencing, yet tunnels bypass the barriers.
Belarus Accused
Liubajevas stated the tunnels require extensive wood reinforcement and could not have been dug without Belarusian logistical support, aiming to keep border tensions high. Alexander Lukashenko denies involvement, but political scientist Margarita Seselgytė notes Belarus tightly guards its own borders and that these tunnels represent a new front in a hybrid attack. She added that as Lithuania strengthens fences, Belarus helps migrants go underneath, eroding security.
What's Next
Lithuanian prosecutors are expected to bring formal charges against the 20 suspects in the coming weeks. It remains uncertain whether the new tunneling tactic will prompt tougher EU sanctions on Minsk or lead to further escalation along the border.
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DW: Lithuania accuses Belarus of building 12 migrant border tunnels
