Anti-terrorism regime imposed in Belarus, helicopters arrive from Minsk amid reassurances from authorities
Lelchytsy, situated in the Homel region of Belarus and bordering Ukraine, has seen authorities declare the enforcement of an "anti-terrorism operation regime." This act has given the authorities broad-ranging powers which include arbitrary arrests, wiretapping, imposing movement restrictions, and permitting entry into any building.
6:01 PM EST, February 15, 2024
As reported by Belaruski Hajun, at least four helicopters transporting soldiers have been dispatched to the region.
Activists highlight that the first helicopters departed from Machuliszcze airport before the regime was even introduced. According to their intel, the military is still present in Lelchytsy.
What are Belarus's intentions?
The independent portal, Zierkało, sought to uncover the rationale behind implementing these stricter measures. However, the KGB of the Homel region declined to comment and advised following updates in the media. In contrast, the police assure the public that there is nothing to be apprehensive about.
According to local authorities, these actions pertain to exercises spearheaded by the Ministry of Emergency Situations. They also mention that this is not the first of such exercises.
The Ukrainian border guard reported that no extraordinary situations had been noted at the Belarus border. "We continue to fortify our border and strictly defend it to ward off provocations," Marshal of the Border Guard Andrij Demczenko told "Ukrainian Truth."
