Latvian border guards find migrant tunnel from Belarus
Another tunnel for migrants was discovered in Latvia on the border with Belarus.
Consensus
- A hidden underground tunnel was discovered near Kraslava, Latvia, close to the Belarusian border.
- The tunnel was used by migrants to illegally cross into Latvia from Belarus.
- The tunnel was disguised with moss to blend into the surroundings.
- 28 migrants were detained during or shortly after using the tunnel.
- This is the second such tunnel discovered in the region within two weeks.
- The first tunnel was found on August 10 in Skrudaļi Parish, where 15 migrants were detained.
- The tunnels are considered part of a pattern of illegal border crossings from Belarus.
- Latvia has launched Operation 'Vilkatis' (‘Werewolf’) to strengthen border security.
- Frontex has raised concerns about possible involvement of Belarusian state structures in tunnel construction.
- The tunnels are reported to be around 10–30 meters long and have dimensions of approximately 60–70 cm in height and width.
Points of divergence
- The tunnel is longer than the first one, with a length of over 30 meters. — vesti
- The tunnel is described as small, around 10 meters long. — fontanka
- The first tunnel was discovered on August 11, not August 10. — kommerant
- The 28 migrants were returned to Belarus after being detained. — novaya_eu
- The 28 migrants were returned to Belarus. — tg_echoonline_news
- The operation 'Vilkatis' was launched on August 11. — kommerant
- The operation 'Vilkatis' is aimed at countering hybrid threats from illegal migration from Belarus. — fontanka
- The tunnel was found in July in Lithuania, but not completed. — vedomosti
- The tunnel was found after the detention of 28 migrants. — fontanka
- Migrants are from Asia and Africa. — kommerant
- The tunnel was found by German media Der Spiegel. — fontanka
Coverage (9 sources)
- Another underground tunnel was dug from Belarus to Latvia — Дождь
- Latvian border guards discovered a new tunnel for illegal migrants — Вести
- Another underground tunnel has been dug from Belarus to Latvia — Дождь (Telegram)
- In Latvia, border guards again discovered a tunnel of illegal migrants — Коммерсантъ
- Latvia border guards found another tunnel for migrants on the border with Belarus — Фонтанка
- Latvian border guards found second secret tunnel from Belarus in two weeks. 28 people entered Latvia via it — ЭХО / Новости
- Another tunnel for migrants on the border with Belarus discovered in Latvia — Ведомости
- Latvian border guards found a second underground tunnel from Belarus, when 28 people were walking on it. They were sent back — Новая газета Европа
- Latvian Border Guard found tunnel on border with Belarus. 28 people tried to enter the country through it — Meduza