WARSAW, Poland — More than 180 migrants were reported to have crossed into Poland via a clandestine tunnel uncovered in a forested area along the nation’s border with Belarus, officials confirmed Friday. The Polish Border Guard detained approximately 130 individuals following the discovery of the tunnel on Thursday, but many others remain unaccounted for.

The tunnel, measuring about 1.5 meters high and dug through roots and earth, was supported by wooden beams and metal rods, making it necessary for most individuals to crouch while traversing it. Video footage released by the Border Guard illustrates the difficult conditions within the passage.

In connection with this incident, authorities apprehended a 69-year-old Polish man and a 49-year-old Lithuanian who allegedly arrived to transport the migrants. This marks the fourth tunnel uncovered in the Podlaskie region this year, highlighting the ongoing challenges Poland faces amid a sustained migrant crisis along its border.

Since 2021, Poland has been grappling with an influx of migrants, primarily from the Middle East and Africa, viewed by some as part of a strategy employed by Belarus and its ally Russia to destabilize the region. The Polish government has consistently accused the Belarusian regime of facilitating unlawful crossings, a claim both Belarus and Russia have rebuffed.

The Border Guard indicated that the hidden entrance of the tunnel was located roughly 50 meters inside Belarus, with the exit positioned just 10 meters from the Polish border barrier. To gauge the number of individuals who passed through, authorities employed electronic tracking systems, and the search for those still on the run has involved military and police forces.

Efforts to bolster border security have been ongoing; Poland began constructing a 180-kilometer fence along the border in 2022 to deter such crossings and enhance safety measures. As border tensions and migrant movements continue, officials remain vigilant, preparing for further challenges in the months ahead.