Lithuania finds migrant tunnels at Belarus border, suspicion turns to Minsk

Lithuanian border guards have discovered a network of tunnels dug beneath the frontier with Belarus, apparently intended to help migrants cross into the country undetected. The discovery adds a new dimension to years of tension along the Lithuania-Belarus border over irregular migration.

Analysts who reviewed the discovery say the tunnels may serve a purpose beyond simply moving people across the border. Some suggest they could be a means of destabilizing Lithuania, straining its border security resources and stoking public anxiety, though this interpretation has not been confirmed by Lithuanian authorities.

Lithuania, along with Poland and Latvia, has accused Belarus in the past of directing migrants toward the European Union's external border as a form of pressure over sanctions and other disputes. Minsk has denied orchestrating such movements. Lithuanian officials have not said publicly whether they believe the government in Minsk was directly involved in building the tunnels, and an investigation is reportedly underway.