Lithuania to deploy troops along Russian exclave border amid mobilization concerns
Lithuania is deploying troops to reinforce its border with Russia's Kaliningrad exclave for several weeks, citing concerns that a potential Russian mobilization could trigger an influx of hostile individuals, Defense Minister Robertas Kaunas announced on Oct. 7.
Kaunas said he had authorized the deployment at the request of Lithuania's interior minister, with the order taking effect immediately.
"Security is being strengthened as a preventive measure, given indications of a possible sharp increase in the influx of aggressively minded foreigners due to potential mobilization in the Russian Federation," Kaunas wrote on Facebook.
"We are, and must remain, calm but vigilant," he added.
Up to 100 troops are expected to be deployed by Oct. 16 to assist border guards, according to Lithuanian public broadcaster LRT. The reinforcement is planned to last several weeks.
The announcement comes amid heightened border security concerns in the Baltic region.
Earlier this week, Latvian authorities reported that a group of at least 20 migrants, accompanied by masked individuals, attempted to cross the border from Belarus into Latvia.
According to Latvian officials, armed smugglers threatened soldiers and pushed migrants toward Latvian territory. Hours later, masked individuals crossed the border, damaged an electrical cabinet and stole surveillance cameras before retreating into Belarus.
Lithuanian authorities have not announced any new Russian mobilization, and the troop deployment was described as a precautionary measure.
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