In the Ludza, Rezekne, and Kraslava regions, a warning about a possible threat to the airspace was announced again on Thursday morning. This is the third consecutive day that residents of Latgale have received emergency alerts.
On Thursday morning, residents of several areas in Latgale received another warning about a possible threat to the airspace.
The alert was announced in the Ludza, Rezekne, and Kraslava regions at 10:45, reported the Ministry of Defense and the National Armed Forces. As in previous days, NATO mission fighter jets were deployed to patrol the airspace of the Baltic states.
The military emphasizes that the National Armed Forces, together with allies, continue to monitor the airspace continuously and are ready to respond immediately to potential threats. Earlier, air defense units had already been reinforced along Latvia's eastern border.
Amid recurring alerts, authorities have begun to explain in more detail to residents how to act in such situations.
The Crisis Management Center emphasized that an air threat does not automatically mean the evacuation of schools, institutions, or other buildings.
The main recommendation is to stay indoors, keep away from windows, and follow the "two-wall principle," meaning to be in a place where at least two walls separate a person from the street. Residents are also urged to close windows and doors and follow further instructions from the services.
Importantly, regular air alerts are beginning to seriously affect everyday life in Latgale.
In recent days, warnings have led to the suspension of exams, changes in school operations, and anxiety among residents of the region. Against this backdrop, there is increasing discussion in society and among officials about whether the current response algorithms need to be changed to avoid paralyzing life in entire regions with each alert. However, in none of the recent cases has the presence of a drone in Latvia's airspace been officially confirmed.
Nevertheless, authorities continue to emphasize that threats must be taken seriously. On Tuesday, a NATO mission fighter already destroyed a drone over Estonian territory.
It is believed that such incidents are related to drones used in the Russo-Ukrainian war. Earlier, several such devices had already fallen or exploded on Latvian territory, including at an oil depot in Rezekne on May 7.
The latest drone incident in Latvia caused a serious political crisis — first, the Minister of Defense resigned, and then the government of Evika Silina also collapsed.
While negotiations continue on forming a new Cabinet of Ministers, the current government continues its work.
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