Latvian Armed Forces to carry out demolition works in Balvi district tonight
National Armed Forces explosive ordnance disposal specialists will conduct controlled demolition works in Rugāji parish tonight, so blast noise may be heard in the area. Residents do not need to take extra precautions.
Specialists from the National Armed Forces' Unexploded Ordnance Neutralization (UXO) unit will carry out planned, controlled demolition works this evening in Rugāji parish, Balvi district. During the operation, blast noise may be heard in the parish and surrounding area.
The Armed Forces clarified that the noise will be directly linked to the scheduled demolition works and urged residents not to be alarmed, stating that no additional precautionary measures are required. The works will be carried out in accordance with all established safety requirements and procedures.
Background – earlier airspace threat
The announcement follows an incident on August 14, when, starting at 4:00 a.m., an airspace threat alert was declared in several eastern Latvian districts — Augšdaugava, Preiļi, Rēzekne, Balvi and Alūksne — over a possible violation of Latvian airspace.
In response, fighter jets from NATO's Baltic Air Policing mission were scrambled. Over Rugāji in Balvi district, allied aircraft successfully shot down a foreign unmanned aerial vehicle that had entered Latvian airspace as a result of Russian electronic warfare activity.
About an hour later, at 4:50 a.m., the airspace threat alert was lifted in all five affected districts. The National Armed Forces say they continue to monitor Latvian airspace and, together with NATO allies, remain ready to respond immediately to any further threats.
