Local media reported that the tunnel was found in the village of Pašalcis, part of a special security zone established in 2021 amid a migrant crisis widely viewed by Lithuania as a form of hybrid warfare orchestrated by Belarus.
“Since a pre-trial investigation has been launched, we are coordinating all details with the prosecutor’s office and will soon release a report,” Lithuanian border guard spokesperson Giedrius Mišutis told the LRT news portal. Officials declined to provide further details for now.
The government in Minsk has not commented on the discovery. Lithuania’s border with Belarus is under continuous surveillance, including cameras in the vicinity where the tunnel was uncovered.
Creative smuggling tactics
Local media also noted that smugglers have resorted to new methods—such as using balloons to float contraband like cigarettes across the newly fenced border. There are concerns these “meteorological” balloons may also serve espionage purposes.
Earlier in January, Lithuanian authorities were authorized to use specialized ammunition to shoot down such aerial objects, including drones and balloons, if deemed a security threat.
(jh)
Source: Polskie Radio 24