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Latvia finds tunnel under Belarus border, vows to combat people smugglers

Created at 11 Aug · 9:43 AM1 source↑ Market-relevant
IN SHORT

Latvia discovered a tunnel under its border with Belarus and announced plans to combat criminal networks facilitating illegal migration. Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs pledged to target these networks and support points as part of "Operation Werewolf" to deter migrants from using Latvia as an entry point into the EU.

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Key Numbers

173 km (107 miles)length of Latvia-Belarus border

Who's Involved

Andris Kulbergs
Prime Minister of Latvia, pledging to combat migrant networks
Janis Dombrava
Interior Minister of Latvia, announcing strengthened border protection

↳ Why This Matters

The discovery of a tunnel and Latvia's commitment to combating migrant smuggling networks highlight a growing challenge on the EU's eastern border, potentially escalating tensions with Belarus and impacting regional security and migration policies.

Key facts

  • Latvia discovered a tunnel beneath its border with Belarus.
  • The Latvian government plans to enhance border security and combat migrant smuggling networks.
  • Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs announced "Operation Werewolf" to disrupt migrant transportation and support systems.
  • Latvia will increase cooperation with Estonia, Lithuania, Poland, and other neighbors to address the migrant flow.
  • Lithuania also reported finding a tunnel used by migrants entering from Belarus.

Latvia has discovered a tunnel running under its border with Belarus and has vowed to intensify efforts against criminal networks accused of facilitating illegal migration. The discovery comes amid growing concerns in Europe about unregulated migration flows.

Latvian soldiers recently used tear gas and fired a warning shot to deter migrants attempting to cross from Belarus. Interior Minister Janis Dombrava announced that border protection would be strengthened through closer cooperation between the Border Guard, State Police, National Armed Forces, and security services, with increased use of drones for detection and detention.

Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs stated that criminal networks are instrumental in moving migrants from Belarus into the EU's Schengen area, with their ultimate destinations lying elsewhere on the continent. He pledged to target these networks and any migrant support points within Latvia as part of a new initiative called "Operation Werewolf." Kulbergs expressed confidence that this operation would significantly disrupt the smuggling system.

Kulbergs previously described the migrant situation as a "hybrid threat" that led Latvia to double its border guard presence. Latvia intends to collaborate with neighboring countries, including Estonia, Lithuania, and Poland, to curb the influx of migrants. Lithuania also reported finding a tunnel used by migrants entering from Belarus in July.

Frequently asked questions

Latvia discovered a tunnel running beneath its border with Belarus.

Latvia plans to strengthen border protection, increase cooperation with neighboring countries, and target criminal networks facilitating migration through an initiative called "Operation Werewolf."

Latvian Border Guard, State Police, National Armed Forces, security services, and neighboring countries like Estonia, Lithuania, and Poland will be involved.

What Happens Next

01Latvia will implement "Operation Werewolf" to target migrant smuggling networks.
02Latvia will enhance cooperation with neighboring countries on border security.
03Increased use of drones for border surveillance will be implemented.

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Cadence

How It Developed

Latvia discovered a tunnel under its border with Belarus.
Latvia announced plans to combat criminal networks aiding illegal migration.
Interior Minister Janis Dombrava stated border protection would be strengthened.
Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs pledged to target networks and support points.
Kulbergs announced "Operation Werewolf" to deter migrants.
Latvia will cooperate with neighboring countries to stop migrant flows.
Lithuania reported finding a similar tunnel used by migrants from Belarus.

Sources

T1
Latvia finds tunnel under Belarus border, vows to combat people smugglersReuters

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