By Alan Charlish

BIALYSTOK. Poland (Reuters). A Syrian migrant Youssef atallah feared he might die in the Polish forest border to Poland after being without food or water for a long time. His nose was damaged by a Belarusian soldier’s assault, which he claimed was an attack on his nasal passages.

Atallah, now in safety at a Migrant Centre in Bialystok in eastern Poland, said that he was among many migrants who were forced back to Belarus by Polish security guards. However, they were stopped by Belarusian security force, which had helped him cross into Poland previously.

“We said to them, that we would like to travel back to Minsk [Belarusian capital] Minsk. We don’t want the trip to continue,” he replied. They told us that there was no way to go back to Minsk. You should go to Poland.

Unnamed Afghan migrant spoke out to Reuters, describing his frustration at being caught between Poland and Belarus. It was impossible to go back. The only way to get across the border again was to use the assistance of Belarusian security officials.

“The soldiers from Belarus force the migrants over the border.” He added that the soldiers told him it was an order of the state.

Afghan who fled home to flee Islamist militant Taliban’s victory in August told how each night, the Belarusian military came to collect a convoy of migrants from camps. They then drove them all to the frontier.

He said, “They take a look at where the border is and give them a bolt cutter if they see no one there to force them through Poland’s razor-wire fence.”

Thaer Rezk (29-year-old migrant hailing from Homs, Syria) said that Belarusian security guards often cut holes in the border fence to aid migrants get into Poland and neighboring Lithuania.

The Afghan immigrant, despite his hardships, was positive about his prospects after he made it to EU land.

I feel more secure right now. “I am certain I can build a solid career here, and my son’s education will be excellent. My future will not be in jeopardy.”

Minsk has been repeatedly condemned by the EU for violating human rights.