Polish Border Guard Detains 71 Migrants at Lithuania and Belarus Borders

Polish Border Guard announced that during a three-day operation, 71 migrants were detained at the country’s borders with Lithuania and Belarus. Among those detained were several Afghan nationals, according to the agency.

In a statement released on Monday, July 13, the migrants were identified in border areas, processed according to legal procedures, and then handed over to Lithuanian authorities based on cooperation mechanisms between the two countries.

The Polish Border Guard also reported the arrest of a Ukrainian citizen who allegedly attempted to transport five migrants to the border area. This individual was detained while carrying out this act.

In recent years, the Belarus-Poland border has become one of the main routes for migrants seeking to enter European Union countries. Poland has increased security measures and border controls in an effort to prevent illegal crossings.

Following the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan, a large number of Afghan citizens have been forced to leave the country due to security concerns, social restrictions, and economic hardships. With legal migration routes closed and safe opportunities lacking, many have resorted to dangerous paths, including crossing through Belarus and Lithuania to reach Europe—a route frequently associated with arrests, deportations, and human risks.