Possible Air Threat in Latvia's Zemgale Region Has Ended
Latvia's National Armed Forces announced on Sunday morning, 18 October, that the possible air threat in the Bauska, Aizkraukle and Ogre municipalities had ended. The warning was sent after Lithuania declared an alert over a possible drone.
Latvia's National Armed Forces (NBS) said on 18 October that the possible threat in the country's airspace over the Zemgale region, covering the Bauska, Aizkraukle and Ogre municipalities, had ended. The military announced this on the social network X. Earlier on Sunday morning, residents of Zemgale had received a mobile phone warning about a possible threat, which signalled that a foreign aircraft might be approaching Latvian territory.
How the situation developed
The cell broadcast alert about a possible air threat in Zemgale was sent at 7:38. Latvian Television, citing Lithuanian public broadcaster LRT, reported that Lithuania's armed forces had also declared the red air alert level in the Panevėžys and Šiauliai counties because of a possible drone. People in Lithuania also received warnings on their mobile phones. According to the latest information from Lithuania's National Crisis Management Centre, the object was flying in the direction of Latvia.
What the military says
The NBS says it constantly monitors the airspace together with NATO allies so that it can respond immediately to any potential threat. The armed forces have strengthened air defence capabilities on the eastern border by sending additional units there.
The NBS also reminds the public that, while Russia's aggression in Ukraine continues, further cases are possible in which a foreign unmanned aircraft enters Latvian airspace or approaches it.
