Against migrants at the border with Belarus: Latvia launches Operation Werewolf

Lettland has significantly reinforced its border with Belarus in response to growing concerns over migration pressures, mirroring situations seen at other European Union external borders. The country's border guards have been actively patrolling a heavily fortified fence along the frontier, which includes barbed wire, cameras, and newly constructed pathways designed to monitor movement. Recent reports indicate that migrants, primarily from Africa and Central Asia, are attempting to cross into the EU through tunnels dug beneath the barrier, a method that has become increasingly common in recent months. Grenzschützer Roland Mukans described the challenges faced by his colleagues during routine patrols. He noted that while the physical barrier has deterred many would-be migrants from cutting through the fence using tools like metal shears, they have adapted by constructing makeshift ladders from sticks and branches found in nearby forests. These ladders allow them to climb over the fence from the Belarusian side. According to Mukans, the number of attempted crossings has surged, with nearly 9,000 recorded in the first seven months of this year. However, he estimates that almost all of these attempts have been intercepted, with a success rate among border guards hovering around 95 percent. The situation has raised concerns about the role of Belarus in facilitating migration flows toward the EU. Local authorities suspect that Minsk is deliberately attracting and sending migrants across the border as part of a broader strategy to exert pressure on Western Europe. This theory aligns with statements made by experts who argue that such actions could be considered part of hybrid warfare against the West. Nika Aleksejeva, an analyst at the NATO Centre of Excellence for Strategic Communication, emphasized that the intent appears to be to undermine confidence in the Baltic states' ability to secure their borders despite substantial investments in infrastructure. Despite the heightened security measures, the region surrounding the border remains marked by a mix of tension and relative calm. In the small village of Robeznieki, located just a few kilometers from the border, residents have noticed changes brought about by the increased presence of border guards. The local supermarket, for instance, has benefited from more customers due to the influx of personnel stationed nearby. Yet, the atmosphere carries an undercurrent of unease. Zanis Ovcinko, a student living in Riga, expressed personal reflections on the impact of the border fortification. While he acknowledges the economic potential for the region through state investment in border protection, he also feels a sense of uncertainty during visits to his hometown. The area, once a peaceful retreat for Belarusians, now bears the marks of militarization, with more equipment, vehicles, and uniformed officers visible near the local supermarket adjacent to the border guard base. The transformation of Robeznieki reflects broader shifts occurring throughout the border regions of Latvia. For some, the increased military presence offers opportunities for employment and stability, prompting individuals working in the border guard force to consider settling permanently in the area. Others, however, remain skeptical about whether the current level of tension will subside anytime soon. As the situation continues to evolve, the border between Latvia and Belarus stands as one of the most sensitive frontiers within the European Union. With both sides investing resources into securing their positions, the dynamics at play suggest that the region will remain a focal point for discussions on migration policy and regional security for the foreseeable future.