In the early hours of the morning, border guards in Kabeliai apprehended a group of nine illegal migrants upon their entry into Lithuania in the Varėna district, specifically within the Čepkelių reserve. This area, considered a hotspot for illegal crossings, has seen significant security measures due to the influx of migrants from Belarus. The Lithuanian authorities have implemented various protective barriers to prevent illegal entries, including concertina wire and a protective fence along the border, though challenges in the terrain of the Čepkelių reserve have restricted the implementation of such infrastructure in certain areas.

The border guards employ a monitoring system to oversee the area, particularly where a stable ground strip allows for surveillance. This system captures any movement across the border, alerting guards to potential illegal crossings. On the night of the incident, the monitoring system detected the group attempting to cross into Lithuania, leading to the prompt response from the border guards. The apprehended group consisted of two women and seven men, highlighting the ongoing challenges Lithuania faces regarding migration from Belarus.

Importantly, only one of the apprehended migrants had documents identifying him as an Egyptian citizen, while the rest claimed to be Moroccan nationals without any legal documentation. This incident underscores the complexities of managing the influx of migrants in the region, especially with varying nationalities and potential humanitarian needs. The continued vigilance and enforcement of border security measures in Lithuania exemplify the broader challenges faced by many countries in addressing illegal migration while balancing humanitarian considerations.