Latvia launches Operation "Vilkatis" against illegal migration

On August 11, Latvia launched an operation named "Vilkatis" (Werewolf) aimed at countering illegal migration. The operation is planned to run until the end of August, and its results cannot yet be assessed.

The launch comes as Europe's migration policy has been shaken by a mass crossing of migrants from Morocco into Spain's enclave of Ceuta.

Statements from the PM and minister

Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs said Russia is using Latvia's border as an element of hybrid warfare, attacking the country's infrastructure through Belarus, and stressed that the issue also concerns the security of the European Union's external border as a whole.

Interior Minister Jānis Dombrava sent a letter to Spain's interior minister criticizing Spain's migration policy following the events in Ceuta, stating that Spain's decisions had weakened external border protection and created risks for the entire Schengen area.

Tunnel found at the border

Alongside the start of the operation, authorities announced the discovery of a tunnel dug by illegal migrants for crossing the Latvia-Belarus border.

In connection with the situation in Spain, it was noted that Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni reinstated border controls with Spain until August 15.

The prime minister explained that the name "Vilkatis" was chosen at random, simply because it is a Latvian word.