Belarus tunnels used to funnel migrants into Poland as part of Russian hybrid warfare PHOTO

Polish authorities have uncovered a network of tunnels under the Belarus-Poland border, which have been used to smuggle hundreds of migrants into Europe, in what officials describe as part of a Russian-led campaign of hybrid warfare.

The tunnels, some designed with the help of Middle Eastern specialists, were discovered in 2025, including a major 50-metre passage near the village of Narewka, Caliber.Az reports via British media.

Around 180 migrants, mostly from Pakistan and Afghanistan, reportedly used the tunnel before most were arrested.

Lt Col Katarzyna Zdanowicz of the Polish border force said advanced physical and electronic monitoring systems allowed officers to respond quickly to breaches, even underground. Deputy Interior Minister Czesław Mroczek noted that the discovery of the tunnels highlighted the effectiveness of border enforcement.

Experts suggest groups such as the Islamic State, Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iranian-backed forces may have provided tunnelling expertise. Former Israeli intelligence colonel Sarit Zehavi noted that “Iranian proxies and other Middle Eastern groups have the technical know-how to construct complex tunnels.”

Belarus, under the leadership of Alexander Lukashenko, has long used migration as a pressure tactic against the West. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Belarus has intensified its role in supporting Moscow, including deploying Russian hypersonic Oreshnik missiles and aiding military production.

Opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya warned that this escalation not only threatens Ukraine but could destabilise wider Europe if Kyiv does not prevail in the war.

Poland has responded by fortifying its eastern border, building a 200 km fence equipped with 300 cameras, and plans to destroy tunnels as they are discovered. 

Analysts warn that Belarus may continue to open new channels to undermine European security as part of Russia’s broader strategic objectives.

By Aghakazim Guliyev