Belarus fortifies border amidst unusual military drills
In the Postavy region of the Vitebsk area in Belarus, which shares a border with Lithuania, a control conscription is being conducted to officially test 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 constructed, including the so-called dragon's teeth.
- The exercises are scheduled, but as the expert notes, they are taking place at an unusual time.
- Belarus's actions are likely a response to rearmament in Europe.
According to Belsat, in the Postavy region of the Vitebsk area at the border with Lithuania, a "control conscription with the summoning of individuals subject to military service obligations and the requisitioning of vehicles for territorial troops" is ongoing. It is intended to continue until 15 April.
The stated aim is to evaluate the readiness of the authorities and military commissariats to form territorial troops.
A military expert, who requested anonymity, informed Belsat that these are planned exercises, but they are taking place at an unusual time.
- Typically, such training is conducted in the winter when agricultural lands are blanketed with snow, providing soldiers with more manoeuvrability, and local roads are not in use by agricultural machinery. They usually conclude in February. Presently, we observe that they are occurring in March–April - he stated.
Dragon's teeth and fortifications in Belarus
According to him, the actions of the Belarusian authorities are a reaction to rearmament in Europe, which fears that after the conclusion of the war in Ukraine, Russia might attempt to attack a European Union country in the future. Minsk is displeased by this and has decided to send a message.
- It was resolved to establish fortified zones where the terrain permits offensive operations with mechanised and armoured units - said Belsat's interlocutor. Belarus has challenging terrain—dominated by forests and swamps—but there are areas more accessible to a potential aggressor.
In the Postavy region, fortifications are being erected as part of manoeuvres that are planned to appear along Belarus's border with NATO countries. Among them are the so-called dragon's teeth, concrete pyramids designed to obstruct the movement of tanks and armoured fighting vehicles. Belsat readers have raised the alarm about their presence.
As the expert highlights, trees along the roads are also being felled so that "the approaching enemy can be seen."
Will Belarus's move lead to escalation? "People are on edge"
Minsk's actions are causing unrest among the populace, potentially leading to escalation.
- People live in anxiety when they are on constant alert with weapons at the ready. A human is not a machine—they may not endure it, and gunfire could ensue. This is all potentially hazardous - the expert expresses. As the analyst further comments - "tensions need to be alleviated." However, politicians and diplomats must engage with the issue.
