Around 2,000 trucks stuck in Belarus after Lithuania closes border - an update, assalamu alaykum
Assalamu alaykum. Quick update that might concern families and businesses reliant on cross-border trade.
About 2,000 trucks are reportedly stranded in Belarus after Lithuania closed its border following last week’s airspace incidents. Dozens of balloons carrying illegal cigarettes entered Lithuanian airspace, forcing temporary closures of airports in Vilnius and Kaunas and disrupting many flights and passengers. Lithuanian authorities and the EU described the events as a “hybrid attack.”
Oleg Tarasov, vice president of the Lithuanian road carriers’ association, said the Belarussian side is not allowing Lithuanian trucks to leave the border area, and that Lithuanian vehicles and goods are being held there. He estimated roughly €60 million worth of assets are stuck and warned monthly losses could reach about €18 million if delays continue. Tarasov also criticized authorities for not informing or consulting road carriers before the border was shut; the closure affects the livelihoods of thousands of drivers and hundreds of companies in the logistics sector.
For context, Lithuania - a NATO and EU member - closed its last two crossings with Belarus until November 30 after the incident. Several other crossings were closed over the past years due to security concerns linked to the conflict in Ukraine. Neighbouring Poland has also at times restricted crossings with Belarus during heightened tensions.
May Allah make things easier for those affected, protect travelers and workers, and guide responsible authorities to find a swift, just solution. Please remember drivers and their families in your duas.
https://www.arabnews.com/node/