Arrest of Foreign Tourists at Baikonur Cosmodrome Raises Security Concerns

Three foreign tourists, including two Dutch citizens and a Belgian, were arrested at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The cosmodrome, operated by Russia in a remote desert area, has restricted access but offers tours. Recently, a French citizen died attempting to reach it by foot.

Three foreign tourists were arrested while trying to enter the Baikonur Cosmodrome, a Russian-operated space launch facility in Kazakhstan. The arrests, reported by Russia's RIA state news agency, involved two Dutch citizens and a Belgian who reached a refueling complex at the installation before being noticed by police officers.

The Baikonur Cosmodrome, rented from Kazakhstan by Russia, is located in a remote desert region with restricted access. Despite this, tours are available for those wishing to witness a spacecraft launch. This incident follows the death of a French citizen last month, who died of dehydration while attempting to walk to the cosmodrome.

(With inputs from agencies.)