Belarus's use of migrants as 'attack' tactic unacceptable: NATO

NATO accuses Belarus of encouraging migrants from the Middle East and Africa to cross into EU countries via Belarus as a form of "hybrid warfare" in revenge for sanctions on Minsk.

World

1 min read

The New Arab Staff

08 November, 2021

Poland's law enforcement officers block migrants at the Belarusian-Polish border on November 8 [AFP/Getty]

NATO condemned in strong words Belarus' stance in the refugee crisis at its border with Poland. In a press release on Monday, NATO called Belarus' role in the crisis "unacceptable", saying Belarus is "using" migration issues.

Thousands of migrants, most of them from the Middle East and North Africa, have tried to cross the Belarus-Polish border in recent weeks despite dire climatic conditions and aggressive pushback by Polish border guards. Poland warned it fears a "major incident". Social media footage today showed hundreds of migrants walking towards the Polish border.

The European Union and NATO say the Belarusian regime is waging "hybrid warfare" by deliberately pushing migrants towards its neighbor, in retaliation for EU sanctions against the Belarusian regime for human rights abuses.

The Belarusian government has repeatedly denied these accusations, blaming Europe for the poor treatment of migrants. Meanwhile, Poland has deployed over 12,000 troops at the border. Its neighbour Estonia has also moved additional troop to the border.