Migrants try to infiltrate to EU_ tensions mount at Belarus-Poland border

The Belarusian State Border Committee reported Tuesday that migrants seeking to cross into Europe through the Belarus-Poland border were pushed back as explosive materials were allegedly used against an unarmed group.

A video statement by Belarus said a group of migrants refused to go to Belarusian territory via the Polish border and tried to take refuge in Polish territory midnight Monday.

"Polish forces threw explosives into Belarusian territory from the border line and used tear gas to disperse the migrants_" said the statement.

Citing that such actions increase tensions with asylum seekers and cause provocation at the border_ the statement said the use of explosives against migrants by Polish forces was not "the first time."

"The Polish side's use of explosives_ sound bombs_ water cannon and gas [bomb] violates international law and constitutes a direct attack against vulnerable refugee groups_" it said.

Meanwhile_ a warehouse in the Bruzgi border region was converted into a processing center for migrants.

The Belarusian State Border Committee announced earlier that since there is no one left in camps in the forest_ journalists cannot work in the area but can continue at the processing center in the Bruzgi border region where the migrants are now settled.

At the instruction of Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko_ medical aid_ water and hygiene products were distributed to migrants.

After spending 10 days in tents in cold weather_ migrant groups quickly made their way to the processing center.

In the sheltered area_ children played while mothers took care of infants.

Since August_ the European Union countries bordering Belarus -- Lithuania_ Latvia and Poland -- have reported a dramatically growing number of irregular crossings.

More than 8_000 people have tried to enter the bloc via the Belarus-EU border in 2021_ up sharply from just 150 last year.

According to the EU_ Belarus reaches out to potential travelers through seemingly official channels_ including diplomatic missions and travel agencies_ and invites them to Belarus by offering them visas. They are then allegedly guided to the EU border.

In the last week_ at least 2_000 people_ including women and children_ have been stuck at the Belarusian-Polish border area in dire conditions.