Estonians practiced urban combat in Latvia 0 7

"Conducting the Virus Kevads exercises at the Mežaine training ground in Latvia allowed us to train commanders of different levels in urban combat conditions, which are very similar to the tasks of the Viru Battalion in wartime," said the commander of the Viru Infantry Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Margus Sander. "These two weeks have undoubtedly been the most intense and educational part of our current training cycle. Additionally, the battalion's drone unit was able to demonstrate its skills in both target acquisition and engagement for the first time."

During the two-week urban combat exercises, actions in built-up areas were practiced at levels ranging from squad to company size. The training process took place on various training routes, which were gradually supplemented with new elements that posed increasingly complex challenges to the units.

Furthermore, the use of fire support from concealed positions, drones, and other combat support elements was practiced. In addition to Estonian units, the exercises also included a company from the Latvian Navy, which conducted the exercises under the name Fortes 26.

"Joint activities with our Latvian brothers in arms helped to develop our cooperation and mutual understanding," Sander said.

A total of about 450 soldiers from the Viru Infantry Battalion participated in the exercises, and medical support was provided by the team from the Tapa Medical Center of the logistics battalion, Baltic News Service reports.