China and Belarus have begun joint military exercises near the Belarusian city of Brest, five kilometers from the Polish border.
The “Eagle Assault” maneuvers will last until July 19 as part of anti-terrorism exercises, where military personnel from both countries will practice nighttime landings, overcoming water obstacles, and conducting operations in urban conditions, according to the Belarusian Ministry of Defense on Telegram.
“NATO’s grouping on the border with Belarus is rapidly increasing, leading to heightened tensions in the region,” another post warned, promising a “strong response” if anyone “crosses Belarus’s borders,” reports Politico.
The drills are taking place ahead of the NATO summit in Washington from July 9 to 11.
Polish Defense Minister Wladysław Kosiniak-Kamysz said last week that Poland and Lithuania will raise the issue of border defense at the summit.
“A hybrid war is ongoing at the borders of Poland and Belarus, as well as at the borders of Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia,” he said.
