Airspace threat in Latgale is over - Armed Forces

RIGA - A possible airspace threat in municipalities of Kraslava, Ludza and Rezekne and in the city of Rezekne, declared Wednesday morning, is over, according to information posted on the 112.lv website.

As reported, the possible airspace threat was declared shortly after 9 a.m. on Wednesday.

No foreign drones were detected in Latvian airspace today. Cell broadcast alerts were sent to residents in the four municipalities because there was a high probability that an unidentified flying object could enter Latvian airspace, the National Armed Forces informed LETA.

In view of the possible threat, fighter jets from NATO's Baltic Air Policing Mission were scrambled.

The National Armed Forces stress that together with NATO allies they are constantly monitoring the airspace to be able to react immediately to a potential threat if necessary. At the same time, air defense capabilities have been reinforced near the eastern border, with additional units deployed.

The Defense Ministry notes that, as the Russian war in Ukraine continues, there is a risk that foreign unmanned aerial vehicles will continue to approach or enter Latvian airspace.

The previous day, residents in several municipalities in Latgale and Vidzeme also received cell broadcast alerts about a possible airspace threat, and residents of some Latgale municipality even twice - around noon and in the evening. The National Armed Forces cannot confirm whether any of the drones detected on Tuesday entered Latvian airspace.

Meanwhile, a fighter jet from NATO's Baltic air patrol mission shot down a drone over Estonia on Tuesday, the Estonian Defense Ministry informs.

The Latvian Air Force Control and Reporting Center provided command and control of the Romanian Air Force F-16 fighter jets involved in the NATO Baltic Air Policing Mission and controlled and coordinated the operation to neutralize the unmanned aerial system in Estonia.

Romanian Air Force F-16 fighters deployed in Lithuania as part of the NATO Baltic Air Policing Mission intercepted and neutralized an unmanned aerial vehicle south of the town of Poltsamaa. The target was visually identified prior to engagement, with particular attention paid to the safety of civilians, the National Armed Forces explained.

Residents in Latvia's eastern region of Latgale have received similar cell broadcast notifications over the past few months, most likely related to drones approaching or entering Latvian airspace amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Such drones have also exploded on Latvian territory on several occasions, including on May 7 at an oil storage facility in Rezekne.

So far, no people have been injured in such incidents, but the latest drone crash in Rezekne led to the sacking of Defense Minister Andris Spruds (Progressives) and the resignation of Prime Minister Evika Silina (New Unity).