Key Takeaways
- Two migrants attempted to enter Lithuania from Belarus via a drainage pipe.
- Border guards detected their movements and stopped them from crossing.
- The migrants returned to Belarus without completing the crossing.
Two migrants attempted to enter Lithuania from Belarus through a large drainage pipe beneath a stream but abandoned their plan after spotting border guards approaching. The incident occurred in Lithuania’s Druskininkai District, where a border surveillance system detected two people approaching from the Belarusian side.
According to Lithuania’s State Border Guard Service, the border in the area is secured with a barbed-wire fence. However, a pipe carrying the Kusenka Stream into Lake Latežeris passes beneath the barrier. The pipe is approximately 2.8 meters in diameter and begins about one meter from Belarusian territory before crossing under the fence.
Authorities have installed strong, lockable metal gates at its outlet on the Lithuanian side to prevent unauthorized crossings. The two migrants entered the stream from Belarus and climbed inside the pipe, carrying metal shears which they intended to use to cut through the gates and gain access to Lithuania.
However, border surveillance cameras detected their movements, prompting guards to head to the location. When the migrants heard a vehicle approaching, they climbed out of the pipe and returned to Belarus without completing the crossing. The incident highlights the effectiveness of Lithuania’s border security measures.
The State Border Guard Service stated that the border in the Druskininkai District is well-monitored, with advanced surveillance systems in place. The pipe, while providing an alternative route, is not a viable means of crossing due to the presence of security measures.
Migrants continue to seek entry into Lithuania from Belarus, often employing creative but ultimately unsuccessful methods. The use of drainage pipes underscores the lengths to which some individuals will go in their quest for a better life.
The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by border authorities in maintaining security and preventing unauthorized crossings. Lithuania’s border guards remain vigilant, employing a combination of technology and human resources to ensure the safety and security of the nation.
The migrants’ attempt to use the drainage pipe is a testament to the ingenuity of those seeking to enter Lithuania, but it also demonstrates the effectiveness of the country’s border security measures. The use of surveillance systems and physical barriers has proven successful in thwarting such attempts.
