Belarus fortifies borders amid European arms race concerns
In the Postavy region of the Vitebsk region in Belarus, which borders Lithuania, a control conscription is being conducted, which — officially — is meant to check the readiness of local authorities to form territorial troops. Numerous fortifications are being erected, including the so-called dragon's teeth.
- In the Postavy region bordering Lithuania in Belarus, a "control conscription" is being conducted. Fortifications are being built, including the so-called dragon's teeth.
- The exercises are planned, but as the expert indicates, they take place in an unusual period.
- Belarus's move is most likely a response to armaments in Europe.
According to Belsat, in the Postavy region of the Vitebsk region at the border with Lithuania, a "control conscription with the summoning of persons subject to military service obligations and the delivery of vehicles for territorial troops" is ongoing. It is supposed to last until April 15.
The declared goal is to test the readiness of the authorities and military commissariats to form territorial troops.
A military expert, who requested anonymity, told Belsat that these are planned exercises, but they are taking place in an unusual period.
- Usually, such training is carried out in winter when agricultural lands are covered with snow, and soldiers have more manoeuvrability, and local roads are not occupied by agricultural equipment. They most often end in February. Meanwhile, now we see that they are happening in March–April - he said.
Dragon's teeth and fortifications in Belarus
According to him, the actions of the Belarusian authorities are a response to armaments in Europe, which fears that after the end of the war in Ukraine, Russia may, in the future, attempt to attack a European Union country. Minsk does not like this and has decided to send a signal.
- It was decided to create fortified areas where the terrain allows for an offensive with the use of mechanized and armoured units - said Belsat's interlocutor. Belarus has difficult terrain — full of forests and swamps — but there are sections easier for a potential aggressor.
In the Postavy region, fortifications are being built as part of maneuvers that are to appear along the border of Belarus with NATO countries. Among them are the so-called dragon's teeth, concrete pyramids that hinder the movement of tanks and armoured fighting vehicles. Belsat readers have sounded the alarm about their presence.
As the expert indicates, trees along the roads are also being cut down so that "the approaching enemy can be seen."
Will Belarus's move lead to escalation? "People are on edge"
Minsk's move is causing unease among people. And this may lead to escalation.
- People live in tension when they are on constant alert with weapons in hand. A human is not a machine – they may not withstand it, and gunfire may begin. This is all potentially dangerous - the expert says. As the analyst adds - "tensions need to be relieved." But here, politicians and diplomats must get involved in the problem.
