At the request of the Ministry of the Interior, the Lithuanian Armed Forces will start providing security in the locations where migrants are housed in the nearest while. “The Ministry of the Interior has requested the Armed Forces to contribute to security and control in the temporary housing locations of the migrants and we will assist with it,” says Minister of National Defence Arvydas Anušauskas.
“The Lithuanian Armed Forces will dedicate personnel and equipment capabilities as additional protection in those sites so local residents feel safer,” stressed Minister A. Anušauskas.
The military is planned to guard 12 locations, including border crossing points.
The illegal migrants who crossed the Lithuanian border from Belarus are currently accommodated in tents at the Pabradė Detention Centre and the Border Guard School in Medininkai, and at the border crossing points as well.
Migrants are also housed in municipal objects in the city and region of Alytus, regions of Lazdijai, Varėna, etc.
Lithuania has declared an energy as it responds to the illegal migration and civilian resources – border guard, migration, public security, and other state services – have been mobilized. The Ministry of the Interior carries the main burden in the response efforts.
Since the Ministry of the Interior is falling short on capabilities, the Ministry of National Defence and the Armed Forces have been among the contributors. So far, 800 soldiers have been dedicated, as well as other resources, mainly, logistical support, fortification of the physical border, and surveillance.
Photo credit: Lukas Tamošiūnas.
