The Latvian defense minister has taken swift action in response to the escalating wave of illegal border crossing attempts from Belarus, ordering the deployment of army units to reinforce the Baltic nation's border security. This move comes after a staggering 96 attempted illegal crossings were recorded in just 24 hours, prompting concerns about national security and the integrity of the European Union's external borders.
Border Guard officers, despite being on holiday, have been recalled to join the intensified patrols alongside the military personnel. The decision reflects growing concerns over what officials are calling "hybrid threats" in the region. As per a statement from the Border Guard, Belarusian authorities are suspected of being increasingly involved in orchestrating the influx of illegal immigrants.
The situation has been exacerbated by the recent arrival of Wagner mercenaries in Belarus. These battle-hardened fighters, reportedly numbering in the hundreds, were invited by President Alexander Lukashenko, raising alarms among neighboring European Union members. Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland share direct borders with Belarus and have been on high alert due to the potential security implications of the Wagner presence.
President Lukashenko has repeatedly claimed that he is restraining Wagner forces who allegedly have intentions to launch attacks on Poland. This assertion has only deepened the concerns of Poland, which has already witnessed a surge in unauthorized border crossing attempts, primarily by migrants from the Middle East and Africa, in the past few months.
Poland, in response to the mounting challenges, has announced its intention to deploy up to 10,000 additional troops to enhance the border with Belarus. Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Blaszczak underlined the importance of supporting the Border Guard in maintaining the security of the nation's borders.
The Baltic states, including Latvia, faced a significant immigration crisis in 2021 when thousands of migrants, primarily from the Middle East and Africa, sought to enter Poland through Belarus. However, these attempts were met with resistance, and the migrants were prevented from crossing into Poland.
The current situation underscores the complexity of border security and the geopolitical challenges that arise from regional tensions. As Latvia deploys its army and collaborates closely with fellow EU members Lithuania and Poland, the hope is to stem the tide of illegal crossings and maintain the sovereignty of national borders and the integrity of the European Union's external frontiers.
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