Lithuania uncovers new cross-border tunnel from Belarus

Lithuania’s border guards have uncovered a newly constructed underground tunnel near its frontier with Belarus, believed to be part of a network designed to facilitate the smuggling of migrants into the European Union. The discovery was announced by Lithuanian authorities on Wednesday, highlighting ongoing tensions over migration flows along the volatile eastern edge of the EU. The tunnel, still incomplete and lacking an exit, was found beneath the existing border fence at a depth of approximately 1.5 meters. It was reinforced using tree trunks and wooden planks, suggesting efforts to ensure structural stability despite its unfinished state. The tunnel’s entrance was concealed, blending into the surrounding terrain, and stretched roughly four meters from Belarusian soil into Lithuanian territory. Border guards identified the passage using electronic detection equipment during routine surveillance operations. This marks the third such tunnel discovered in recent weeks along the shared border, underscoring concerns over organized migrant trafficking through this region. Authorities have long alleged that Belarus is orchestrating these movements, exploiting vulnerabilities in the EU’s external borders to channel migrants from conflict zones toward member states. Lithuania has taken several measures to counter this perceived threat, including significantly bolstering its border security infrastructure. A fortified border fence has been erected along much of the frontier, aimed at deterring unauthorized crossings. However, the presence of these tunnels indicates that determined individuals continue to seek alternative routes to bypass official checkpoints. The country’s interior minister, Martynas Katelynas, has ordered an internal review following revelations that a previous incident involving border guards and migrants had not been disclosed publicly. In one earlier encounter, border guards reportedly faced resistance from a group of migrants attempting to evade capture. During this confrontation, the guards were forced to retreat while the migrants escaped back into Belarus. The incident came to light after the border guard service’s spokesperson confirmed its occurrence, prompting criticism from Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius for the delay in informing the public. The prime minister expressed frustration over the lack of transparency regarding such incidents, emphasizing the need for greater accountability within the border protection system. The discovery of the new tunnel adds to growing evidence of coordinated efforts to circumvent Lithuania’s defenses. Previous findings included similar structures buried under the ground, suggesting a pattern of deliberate planning and execution. These tunnels appear to be part of a broader strategy to exploit gaps in the EU’s perimeter, particularly in areas where physical barriers are still being developed or reinforced. The involvement of tree trunks and planks in reinforcing the walls of the recently found tunnel suggests that the builders sought to make the structure more durable, even though it remained incomplete. Belarus has not officially commented on the allegations of migrant smuggling, nor has it acknowledged responsibility for the tunnels. However, Lithuania continues to press its case, citing intelligence reports and intercepted communications that point to Belarusian involvement. The situation has become increasingly sensitive, with both sides accusing each other of exacerbating the crisis. Lithuania maintains that its actions are necessary to protect national sovereignty and prevent the influx of irregular migrants, while critics argue that the country’s approach risks inflaming regional tensions further. Authorities are now conducting detailed forensic examinations of the tunnel to determine how long it had been under construction and whether it was ever used for its intended purpose. Investigators are also looking into the possibility of additional hidden passages nearby. Meanwhile, border guards remain on high alert, continuing their patrols and employing advanced technology to detect any signs of further subterranean activity. The results of the current probe could influence future strategies for securing the border, potentially leading to increased investment in surveillance systems or modifications to the existing fence. As the investigation unfolds, officials emphasize the importance of maintaining vigilance against evolving threats to the integrity of the EU’s external boundaries.