The Latvian Armed Forces stated on Thursday that at least one drone is in the country's airspace, the latest in a series of similar incidents in the Baltic region, UNN reports.
Initially, the country's Armed Forces announced a possible threat to Latvian airspace.
We confirm that at least one unmanned aerial vehicle is in Latvian airspace
In Krāslava, Ludza, Rēzekne, and Augšdaugava municipalities, a warning has been issued regarding a possible threat to the airspace.
Residents were urged to seek shelter indoors. Messages were sent to residents via the cell broadcast system, reports LSM.
The Krāslava Municipality confirmed to the LETA agency that a drone was spotted flying over the territory of the district.
LSM noted that cell broadcast alerts were also received by people in the city of Daugavpils. However, the National Armed Forces informed that no possible threat had been announced in the city itself.
In Ludza, Rēzekne, and Krāslava municipalities, train traffic has been suspended until the possible threat in the airspace is lifted, according to information released by Pasažieru vilciens (PV), which operates under the Vivi brand. Information on the Vivi website indicates that the Riga (8:01 AM) — Zilupe (12:24 PM) train is stationary at the Viļāni station. Trains not in the threat zone are running as usual or stopping at the last stop before the threat zone. PV urges passengers to follow the instructions of conductors and emphasizes that trips are not being canceled but will continue their journey after the threat ends.
"Together with NATO allies, we constantly monitor the airspace to ensure the possibility of an immediate response to a potential threat. We have strengthened air defense capabilities on the eastern border by deploying additional units. As long as Russian aggression in Ukraine continues, a recurrence of such cases where a foreign unmanned aerial vehicle enters or approaches Latvian airspace is possible," the Latvian Armed Forces noted.
Addendum
The Latvian government resigned last week over its handling of a drone incident, and negotiations are currently underway to appoint a new cabinet.