Unidentified balloon lands near Polish-Belarusian border, raising security concerns

By Jo Harper

WARSAW (AA) - An unidentified balloon was found Thursday in eastern Poland, near the border with Belarus, Polish radio station RMF FM reported.

The object landed in a field in the town of Sokolany, located in the Podlasie region, just a few kilometers from the highly fortified border.

Local police have secured the area and are investigating the purpose of the device, though its exact origin and intended use remain unclear.

Since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, the Poland-Belarus border has become a flashpoint, heavily militarized and tense with concerns of potential cross-border escalations.

In recent years, the area has seen missiles land unintentionally in Polish territory, fueling fears that Poland, a NATO member, might be drawn into conflict, potentially involving its allies.

The use of balloons across the border has become more common, with reports indicating they are often used by smugglers. According to RMF FM, similar balloons were discovered in the area weeks ago, some containing illegal tobacco products.