Lithuania strengthens border security ahead of presidential elections in Belarus
In case of incidents, additional forces will be deployed (Illustrative photo: Getty Images)
Lithuanian border guards are taking measures to enhance border security. This is related to the upcoming presidential elections in Belarus, reports the Lithuanian edition LRT.
Giedrius Mišutis, a representative of the State Border Guard Service, noted that the ability to respond to incidents is being enhanced. In particular, additional forces and resources will be deployed.
"Against the backdrop of the Belarusian elections, the level of vigilance is increasing. It is expected that in case of incidents, other agencies may also be involved, including the national defense system, the Civil Security Service, the police, and the Lithuanian Riflemen's Union," Mišutis said.
As LRT reports, the Lithuanian border has been under enhanced security since the start of the migration crisis in 2021.
It should be noted that the presidential elections in Belarus will take place today, January 26. The self-proclaimed president, Alexander Lukashenko, is running for the seventh time. He has held the position for over 30 years.
Migrant crisis
In 2024, Lithuania's State Security Department stated that the sharp increase in the flow of immigrants from Belarus to Lithuania creates additional threats and risks to the country's national security.
We also reported that in 2023, in response to the influx of migrants from Belarus, Lithuania announced its intention to build an additional barrier along its border with Belarus and Russia, extending for hundreds of kilometers.
