No illegal migrants recorded at the border with Belarus for 19 days
Lithuanian border police have not recorded any illegal migrants crossing from Belarus for 19 days, reflecting a significant decline in attempts compared to previous years.
According to reports, Lithuanian border police have observed a 19-day period without any illegal migrants attempting to cross from Belarus, with Latvian authorities also noting no illegal border crossings recently. This marks a stark contrast to the significant influx of migrants that began in 2021, when the West accused the Belarusian regime of orchestrating migrant flows towards eastern EU countries as a form of hybrid warfare. In total, Lithuania has denied entry to 14 illegal migrants this year, a dramatic drop from the previous years when thousands attempted to breach the border, highlighting the effectiveness of ongoing border security measures.
In 2021, more than 1,600 attempts were made to enter Lithuania illegally from Belarus, a situation that prompted the Lithuanian government to bolster defenses and implement stricter border policies. The numbers for the previous year were even higher, with reports indicating around 1,002 attempts made in 2020. The data suggests that proactive measures taken by the Lithuanian authorities, including increased surveillance and border patrols, have effectively mitigated the situation at the border.
Since the onset of the migrant crisis initiated by Belarus, Lithuanian border officials have prevented over 24,600 illegal migrants from entering the country altogether. This ongoing monitoring and management of the border area indicate that the border control strategies are proving to be successful, but it also raises questions about the humanitarian implications of such strict measures on those attempting to flee crisis situations in their home countries. As the situation evolves, it remains vital to balance border security with humanitarian responsibilities.