The eastern regions of Latvia were once again on high alert overnight Saturday due to a possible aerial threat. Residents of Latgale received emergency alerts, and NATO scrambled fighter jets to patrol the region.
The National Armed Forces (NAF) reported that the threat declared overnight in the airspace has ended. The corresponding message was published on the emergency alert system website 112.lv.
"The threat in the airspace has ended," the notification states. Additional information from the NAF is promised to be published on the social media of Latvijas armija.
During the night, warnings about a possible threat were received by residents of the Rezekne, Ludza, Aluksne, and Balvi municipalities. Messages were sent out through the cellular alert system — this format is used in Latvia in emergencies when it is necessary to quickly warn the population.
The NAF confirmed that NATO mission fighter jets for patrolling the Baltic airspace were activated in connection with the situation. The military also reported an increase in air defense units on the eastern border.
According to the NAF, Latvian forces and NATO allies continue to monitor the airspace around the clock to be able to respond quickly to potential threats.
The Chairman of the Rezekne Municipal Council, Guntars Skudra, informed the LETA agency that the local government received information about the patrolling and takeoff of NATO aircraft. However, there were no reports of drones falling overnight.
Such alarms in Latgale are not unprecedented. In recent months, residents of the region have repeatedly received warnings about the possible appearance of drones related to Russia's war against Ukraine.
The last major incident occurred on Thursday morning when several drones from Russia entered Latvian airspace. Two drones fell in Rezekne, damaging a fuel storage facility.
Against the backdrop of the ongoing war in Ukraine, the NAF does not rule out the possibility of similar incidents occurring at Latvia's eastern border.
