The Belarusian security service, led by Ivan Tertel, announced on Thursday that it had successfully prevented an imminent drone attack on the capital city of Minsk. According to reports from Russian state news agencies, the thwarted attack was purportedly launched from neighboring Lithuania, a NATO-member state.
Tertel stated that the State Security Committee, in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, undertook decisive security measures to intercept the threat. These actions effectively averted potential strikes by combat drones targeting key locations in Minsk and its surrounding areas.
While the Belarusian official made these claims, there has been no immediate response or comment from Lithuanian authorities or NATO regarding the allegations.
The statement from Tertel, as reported by the RIA news agency, did not specify whether any evidence was provided to substantiate the assertion of the thwarted attack. However, the incident underscores heightened tensions and security concerns in the region.
Belarus, a close ally of Russia, has previously allowed Moscow to utilize its territory for strategic purposes, including the launch of the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. This latest incident adds to the complex geopolitical dynamics in the area, raising questions about regional security and the potential for further escalation.
