The Latvian National Armed Forces (NBS) report that NATO Baltic Air Policing fighter jets have successfully shot down a foreign unmanned aerial vehicle that entered Latvian airspace over Balvi Municipality as a result of Russian electronic warfare activity.
As a result, the previously announced airspace threat affecting Augšdaugava, Preiļi, Rēzekne, Balvi and Alūksne municipalities ended at 04:50. Residents received the first alerts before 04:00, while NATO Baltic Air Policing fighter jets were also scrambled.
The drone was shot down at high altitude above Rugāji in Balvi Municipality, NBS Joint Headquarters representative Iveta Bērziņa told Latvian Television’s Rīta panorāma programme.
According to currently available information, the drone entered Latvian airspace as a result of electronic warfare measures carried out by Russia.
NBS SOLDIERS, NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERS AND STATE POLICE OFFICERS ARE INVOLVED IN INSPECTING THE AREA.
As the drone was destroyed at high altitude, its debris could be scattered across a relatively wide area, Bērziņa said.
Early on Friday morning, allied fighter jets shot down the unmanned aircraft near Lake Boževa, approximately five kilometres from the centre of Rugāji, Sandra Kapteine, head of the Rugāji administrative association, told LETA.
She stressed that the drone was brought down over a forested area and that no residents or property were harmed. Emergency and security services are currently working at the scene.
The airspace threat has not come as a major surprise to some residents of Latgale, particularly as the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is taking place in Aglona from the 11th to the 15th of August.
“We could have expected this.
The Russians are trying to scare us before the 15th of August so that frightened people from Riga won’t come to Aglona,” a Daugavpils resident said, adding that she now intends to make a point of travelling to Aglona “so they don’t think we’ve been intimidated”. “Will the president be in Aglona? I heard he won’t. That’s the right decision! Politicians shouldn’t be mixed with the faithful. It would only put worshippers at risk, because drones would be sent after the president.”
Many residents surveyed in Latgale said they simply went back to sleep after receiving the warning. “The cell broadcast woke me at around 03:30. I immediately fell asleep again. What else can you do? Perhaps start praying to God,” said a resident of Augšdaugava Municipality.
People have also been sharing their experiences online, reporting that explosions were heard in several municipalities, not only in Balvi Municipality, where the NBS says the drone was shot down.
The Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is taking place in Aglona from the 11th to the 15th of August,
annually attracting large numbers of pilgrims and visitors from Latvia and abroad.
To ensure that the celebrations proceed safely and peacefully, the State Police will once again operate under an enhanced security regime, maintaining public order and ensuring the safety of visitors.
As in previous years, State police officers will monitor road safety and public order throughout the celebrations.
One notable difference this year is that authorities have prepared a specific response plan in case an orange-level cell broadcast alert is issued warning of a confirmed threat in Latvian airspace.
In such a situation, the event would be interrupted and participants would be instructed to leave the event area.
Depending on the number of visitors, the State Police may also decide to close central Aglona and direct vehicles away from the town from designated parking areas to prevent prolonged concentrations of people and traffic in one location.
Visitors are therefore urged to follow instructions from organisers and emergency services, choose parking areas closest to their intended departure route and park their vehicles facing the direction in which they plan to leave.
A yellow level cell broadcast alert is informational. It does not require immediate action from residents, but warns of a possible threat in Latvian airspace.
Given the large crowds expected in Aglona, police are urging visitors to remain vigilant
and pay particular attention to children. In crowded areas, the risk of becoming separated is higher. Anyone who becomes separated from their companions should immediately approach the nearest police officer or event organiser.
Visitors are also advised to keep personal belongings secure and not leave bags, wallets, mobile phones or other valuables unattended in public areas or tents.
The use of unmanned aircraft, or drones, above event venues is prohibited during this year’s celebrations unless authorisation has been obtained from the event organisers and the municipality.
Any lost property should be handed in at the Aglona Basilica tourism information centre
or to a police officer. After the celebrations, unclaimed items will be transferred to the State Police Latgale Regional Department’s Ziemeļlatgale Precinct in Preiļi.
Drivers travelling towards Aglona should also be aware that groups of pilgrims will be walking along roads leading to the town. Motorists are urged to exercise particular caution when passing them and to choose an appropriate speed.
Pilgrims, meanwhile, are advised to walk along the roadside, comply with traffic regulations and use reflective elements during hours of darkness.
The State Police are asking all road users to be patient, observe temporary traffic arrangements and expect possible short-term restrictions and slower traffic in and around Aglona.
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