Latvian border guards have found a 10-meter-long tunnel used by 15 people to cross illegally from Belarus, marking the first such incident in the country.
Key facts
- •Border guards discovered a 10-meter-long tunnel used for illegal entry into Latvia.
- •A group of 15 people was detained on Monday after using the tunnel to cross the border.
- •Latvian authorities have blocked over 9,000 illegal border crossing attempts from Belarus this year.
- •This incident marks the first time a tunnel has been used to cross the Latvian-Belarusian border.
- •All 15 individuals involved in the crossing were returned to their country of departure.
Latvian authorities discovered a 10-meter-long tunnel near the border with Belarus that was used by 15 people to enter the country illegally. Border guards detected the group on Monday, prompting the government to launch an operation to strengthen security in the area. Interior Minister Jānis Dombrava described the incident as a hybrid threat.
By the numbers
Discovery and Response
The tunnel is the first of its kind identified on the Latvian-Belarusian border, though similar structures have been reported in Lithuania. Minister Dombrava stated that no previous illegal crossings or security violations had been recorded at that specific location. Following the discovery, all 15 individuals were returned to their country of departure, and authorities are continuing to inspect the surrounding area.
Broader Border Security Context
The Latvian State Border Guard reported that officials have prevented more than 9,000 illegal attempts to cross the border from Belarus so far this year. The government has expressed ongoing concerns regarding the Belarusian regime's stance toward the European Union and its support for Russia's war in Ukraine.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Politico Europe.
