Shortly before noon on Tuesday, a cell broadcast alert warning of a possible airspace threat was again sent to residents in the Ludza Municipality and Krāslava Municipality regions, according to information published on 112.lv.
The National Armed Forces of Latvia (NBS) stated that a potential threat may be present in Latvian airspace.
As indicated in notices published on the 112.lv website, the NBS informed residents in the affected territories that a possible threat exists in Latvian airspace. Residents in the eastern regions of the country are being urged to remain indoors, follow the “two-wall principle,” close windows and doors, and, if they notice a low-flying, suspicious, or dangerous object, avoid approaching it and immediately call emergency services at 112.
The NBS emphasized that, together with NATO allies, it continuously monitors Latvian airspace to ensure the ability to respond immediately to any potential threat. The armed forces have also strengthened air defense capabilities along the eastern border by deploying additional units. As long as Russia’s aggression against Ukraine continues, the NBS warns that incidents involving foreign unmanned aerial vehicles approaching or entering Latvian airspace may recur.
Authorities promised that separate information would be provided once the threat has ended.
As previously reported, residents of the Latgale region have received similar cell broadcast alerts several times over recent months. These incidents were believed to be linked to drones involved in the Russia-Ukraine war approaching or entering Latvian airspace. On several occasions, such drones have also exploded on Latvian territory, including on May 7 at a little-used oil terminal in Rēzekne.
No injuries have been reported in connection with these incidents so far, but the latest case in Rēzekne ultimately led first to the resignation of Latvia’s defense minister and later to the collapse of the government led by Evika Siliņa of New Unity (JV).
Read also: Pentagon decides not to deploy troops to Poland; Poles demand answers