Border Tensions at the Belarus-Poland Frontier Increase as Migrant Attempts Rise

Over the last three days a total of 444 individuals attempted to cross the Belarusian-Polish border illegally, according to the Border Guard, which reported incidents of projectiles being hurled at Polish patrols and two injuries as a result. The highest number of attempts occurred on Friday with 198 crossings, followed by 91 on Saturday and 155 on Sunday. The Border Guard emphasized that the focal points of these incursions included posts in Czeremcha, Dubicze Cerkiewne, and Białowieża, where migrants also tried to cross via the river. The authorities noted multiple attacks on border protection teams using stones, branches, and burning debris, with officers and a Polish Army soldier sustaining injuries but remaining in safe condition. The situation was described as serious by Major Katarzyna Zdanowicz, spokesperson for the Podlaskie Border Guard, who added that the health and lives of the personnel were not in danger at the moment. The remarks were supported by a video attached to the Border Guard message, showing burning branches being thrown over the border fence during disturbances in the Białowieża region. Witnesses on the Polish side reported that the barrier was breached by individuals on the opposite side before the Polish patrols arrived, prompting further throwing of burning branches and other objects. The Border Guard called this activity a deliberate escalation and urged continued vigilance. Paragraphs of the report reinforce that the border area remains under tight monitoring as authorities respond to ongoing pressure. Investigation notes indicate that the border protection services acted promptly to secure the perimeter and protect both migrants and officers from harm. As the situation evolved, the Border Guard described the events as part of a broader spike in illegal crossings that has involved a variety of means and tactics. The Polish defense and security apparatus has been coordinating a response that includes rapid deployment of personnel, the use of barriers, and enhanced surveillance measures to deter further attempts and protect the border communities. A spokesperson for the border unit explained that while the incidents place a strain on resources, the system is designed to withstand such pressure and to adapt quickly as new information becomes available. Among the measures cited are new technologies and expanded patrol routes intended to improve detection and delay tactics for attempting crossings. The Border Guard team stressed that international cooperation remains critical, with ongoing exchanges of information and best practices to counter illegal migration flows and safeguard regional stability. The broader context includes a substantial and continuing effort to secure the long border running along Belarus, backed by investments in infrastructure and technology meant to support border security across multiple segments. The electronic barrier concept, including a vast network of cameras and sensors, continues to be a central element of the strategy. Industry watchers note that the measures reflect a sustained commitment to modernizing border control and ensuring rapid response to emerging threats. Observers recognize the complexity of border security in this region and acknowledge the importance of balancing humanitarian considerations with the need to prevent illegal migration and protect national sovereignty. The Border Guard’s latest updates indicate that these efforts are part of a comprehensive program aimed at maintaining order, strengthening deterrence, and providing timely information to the public and to allied agencies. The total volume of attempts since the beginning of March has surpassed 2,400, marking a sharp rise compared with January and February figures, and highlighting how migrants originate from a wide range of countries. The 186-kilometer stretch of the border features a 5.5-meter-high steel dam completed in 2022, complemented by an electronic system of cameras and sensors designed to detect and deter incursions. A formal contract has been awarded to a consortium led by Elektrotim SA from Wrocław and Ostoya-DataSystem Sp. z o.o. from Gdańsk to install the electronic barrier along the Belarussian border and the Bug River corridor in the Lublin Voivodeship. The project, funded largely by European Union funds, is valued at nearly PLN 280 million and envisions the installation of roughly 4,500 day-night and thermal cameras and 1,800 camera poles. The surveillance center will be located at the Border Guard Chełm headquarters to coordinate operations. Plans also include a parallel installation on the Świsłocz and Istoczanka rivers within Podlasie, with Sprint SA of Olsztyn appointed to manage the project. This segment will involve around 500 poles equipped with thousands of day-night and thermal cameras, supported by containers and sensors designed to capture physical and environmental characteristics of objects crossing the border. The estimated cost for this portion is about PLN 85 million, reflecting a substantial investment in border technology and infrastructure. The evolving security posture underscores the importance of a robust, multi-layered defense that can respond to evolving migration patterns while ensuring the safety of both border communities and personnel. The Border Guard continues to issue updates and coordinate with national security agencies to adapt to new challenges, emphasizing the need for sustained vigilance and transparent communication about border protection efforts. Attribution: Border Guard authorities, official communications and public briefings are cited as the basis for the reported figures and described developments. Additional context and analysis are provided by national defense and security briefings and industry assessments. All information is drawn from the Border Guard reports and related official summaries.