In fresh weeks we have seen a crucial increase in the number of attempts to illegally cross the Polish-Belarusian border. According to the information provided by RMF FM, since the beginning of January 2024, 200 cases of illegal border crossing have already been reported, of which nearly 90 people have attempted to enter Poland only in the last week. The Border defender stresses that this trend is clear and worrying.
Why is the number of illegal migrants increasing?
One of the key factors affecting the increase in attempts to cross the border illegally is changing weather conditions. usually in early January, frosts and snow effectively discourage migrants from making risky attempts to enter Poland. However, this year's winter is exceptionally mild, which favors illegal crossings.
The actions of the Belarusian authorities are besides important. As experts suggest, before the Sunday elections in Belarus, migrants could deliberately be withdrawn from the border so that the situation could become more acute after the vote. This strategical decision may have been aimed at expanding the force on Polish border services.
Where and how do migrants effort to cross the border?
Most attempts to illegally cross the border are recorded in the region of Mielnika and Płaska in the Podlaskie Voivodeship. Migrants usage different methods to get to Poland. Most frequently they effort to cross the barrier with a mountain or make a dig. More frequently there are attempts to bend elements of the dam, which have been further reinforced by Polish services.
In fresh days, the Border defender has besides noted attempts to cross the River Swisłocz utilizing pontoons. On 28 January, officers from the Border defender Service in Bobrowniki effectively stopped 2 several-man groups of migrants, which subsequently withdrew in Belarus.
Response of Polish services and armed forces
Polish border services are full ready to combat illegal migration. On 24-26 January 4 foreigners were revealed who illegally tried to enter Poland. These events occurred on sections of the border protected by the Border defender Service in Krynka, Bobrowniki and Leipzig.
Operational Commander of the Armed Forces Types, Gen. Maciej Klish, in an interview on Polsat News warned against possible increases in tensions on the border with Belarus. He stressed that at the end of January the Polish command would carry out a rotation of forces in the framework of Operation “Safe Podlasie”.
"The elections in Belarus were 1 of the reasons why we planned to transfer tasks between 18 and 12th division. And yes, I can confirm that we are expecting an increased force on the border," said General Klisz.
Future prospects
Although fresh numbers of border crossings have been "symbolic", long-term risks are increasing. Polish services are full prepared for possible escalations, but the situation on the Polish-Belarusian border requires constant monitoring and fast response.
In the face of an expanding wave of illegal migration, it is crucial to keep the advanced readiness of Polish border services and global cooperation to counter this phenomenon. All indicates that in the coming months the Polish-Belarusian border will stay 1 of the delicate points on the map of Europe.
Summary:
The increase in attempts to cross the Polish-Belarusian border is simply a serious challenge for Polish border services. The changing weather conditions and actions of the Belarusian authorities contribute to the escalation of the situation. However, the Polish services are ready to tackle these threats, and the rotation of forces in the framework of Operation Safe Podlasie aims to strengthen border protection.
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An expanding wave of illegal migration on the Polish-Belarusian border
