**Polish Border Secured with Buffer Zone**
Poland has reported a significant drop in illegal border crossings after introducing a buffer zone along its border with Belarus. The 60-kilometer zone was created on June 13, 2024.
**Fewer Crossings**
Between June 13 and December 5 this year, authorities recorded around 11,200 attempted illegal crossings. This is down from over 19,000 during the same period last year. The buffer zone has reportedly led to a 41% reduction in illegal border crossing attempts.
**Those Responsible Held Accountable**
Law enforcement officials have charged 585 individuals with organizing or aiding illegal migration between January and December this year. These include Ukrainian citizens, Polish nationals, Belarusians, and Georgian citizens. Courts have imposed preventive measures on 153 individuals, while 297 permits for presence within the buffer zone have been issued.
**A Fatal Incident Led to the Buffer Zone**
The buffer zone was established after a fatal incident involving a Polish border guard in June 2024. The guard died after being struck by a stick with a blade attached to it, thrown by a migrant.
**History of Border Tensions**
Tensions at the Polish-Belarusian border began in 2021 when migrants from the Middle East attempted to cross into EU territory. Belarusian officials were accused of providing migrants with gravel and tear gas canisters, while border guards faced harassment. Poland has since been strengthening its defenses against evolving security threats.
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