Polish border guards face “new phase” of migration pressure from Belarus

June 22, BPN. Polish border guards are facing a “new phase” of migration pressure from Belarus, with increased activity and aggression by illegal migrants trying to enter the European Union, a spokeswoman has said.

Anna Michalska told the PAP news agency that pressure intensified after the appointment of a new border chief in Belarus, Kanstancin Mołastaŭ, in the runup to the upcoming NATO summit in Lithuania.

She said Lithuanian authorities have already warned of attempts to destabilize the border, especially during a festival of Slavic culture in Viciebsk next month.

Michalska said migrants have changed their tactics, splitting into small groups after crossing the border and throwing branches and stones at border guards and their vehicles.

She said Poland’s electronic barrier helps detect and deter illegal crossings.

Polish authorities reported 124 attempts by foreigners, including from Afghanistan and Sri Lanka, to cross the border illegally over the past day, and 1,874 since June 1.