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Migrants Injure Lithuanian Border Guard, Try to Force Him Into Belarus
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A Lithuanian border guard was injured during a confrontation with a group of migrants who allegedly attempted to force him across the border into Belarus after entering Lithuania through an underground tunnel, according to Lithuanian public broadcaster LRT on August 15.
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The incident occurred in late July in the area overseen by the Kapčiamiestis border post in Lithuania’s Lazdijai district.
The injured officer sustained minor injuries and remains on medical leave, LRT reported, citing information confirmed by Vitalijus Jagminas, head of a trade union representing pre-trial investigation institutions in Vilnius County.
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The confrontation reportedly began after Lithuanian authorities discovered a tunnel dug beneath the state border from Belarus. Four border guards subsequently set up an ambush near the site and detained several migrants, placing them in handcuffs.
During the operation, however, a group of approximately 20 people attacked the officers, according to information first reported by Lithuanian outlet Delfi and subsequently cited by LRT. The border guards were forced to retreat, while the migrants—including several who had already been handcuffed—escaped back toward Belarus.
One of the Lithuanian officers was lightly injured during the confrontation, while the migrants allegedly attempted to push him toward Belarusian territory.
Lithuania’s State Border Guard Service initially disclosed the discovery of the tunnel and the migrants’ escape but did not report an attack on its personnel.
According to LRT, Border Guard Service commander Rustamas Liubajevas repeatedly disputed reports that officers had been attacked, saying the service had been unable to establish that such an incident occurred. Lithuanian media also reported allegations that Liubajevas had instructed border guards on what they should say about the episode.
The Border Guard Service declined to provide LRT with further details, citing ongoing pre-trial investigations.
Lithuanian prosecutors have since expanded and reclassified an investigation opened on July 27 over the illegal crossing of the state border. Investigators are now also examining the actions of officials responsible for surveillance, control, and protection of the border to assess the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The case comes as Lithuania faces repeated attempts to cross its border with Belarus using underground passages. Lithuanian border guards discovered another tunnel on August 11 and found 15 people attempting to enter the country illegally through it. The migrants were returned to Belarusian territory.
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