Counter-terrorism: Belarus grants security forces broad powers

Belarus has introduced a counter-terrorism operation regime granting its security forces broad powers to prevent or respond to provocations from neighbouring countries.

According to Belarusian Foreign Minister Vladimir Makei, the regime was introduced when the country’s leader met with law enforcement agencies.

“There was information that some neighbouring states were planning provocations on, pretty much, the seizure of certain sections of the territory of Belarus.” Vladimir Makei said.

The counter-terrorist operation regime gives security forces broad rights, including detentions to verify identities, barring movement, wiretapping and control of all communication and unimpeded entry of agents on any premises.

A flurry of military activity in Belarus this week has caught the attention of Ukraine and the West as a potential sign that Lukashenko may commit his army in support of Russia’s flailing war effort in Ukraine.

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Earlier, Lukashenko said at a security meeting that he had ordered troops to deploy with Russian forces near Ukraine in response to what he said was a clear threat to Belarus from Kyiv and its backers in the West.

At the meeting, Lukashenko reportedly ordered the country’s intelligence agency, the KGB, to carry out necessary counter-terrorist measures.

“We need to have options for counter-action, including military ones.

“(That’s) in order to identify and localise threats in a timely manner, and, if necessary, adequately respond to any military manifestations against Belarus.” Lukashenko said.

Zainab Sa’id