Forecasts do not indicate a decrease in hybrid threats from Belarus, which it creates through illegal migration, said Interior Minister Rihards Kozlovskis on Wednesday at a meeting of the Saeima Defense, Internal Affairs and Corruption Prevention Committee.
The enhanced border security regime has been extended until the end of the year, and this year, compared to last year, the number of attempts to illegally cross the border has more than doubled. This means that border guards and police are working overtime, and 6 million euros have already been reserved to pay for their work, said Kozlovskis, adding that forecasts do not indicate any possible positive changes in the situation at the border.
The minister also noted that the profile of illegal migrants attempting to cross the border has changed. Previously, these were families with children, but now groups consisting mainly of young men, who have been prepared on the Belarusian side, are trying to enter Latvia.
Kozlovskis acknowledged that there is currently no escalation at the Latvian border like that in Poland, where migrants are using cold weapons and Molotov cocktails. "Here, it is more expressed in non-compliance with the demands of border guards, so it is necessary to involve service dogs. However, border guards have already strengthened their armament and patrol in bulletproof vests and helmets," added the minister.
As reported, this year, 10,972 people have attempted to illegally cross the Latvian-Belarusian border, while for the entire last year, there were 5,388 people.
In connection with the ongoing flow of illegal migrants, the government has extended the enhanced control regime at the border with Belarus until December 31 of this year.
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