Latvia issues another air alert over unidentified drone
Photo: Latvia issued another air threat warning over an unidentified drone (Getty Images)
On the morning of May 17, the press service of Latvia's National Armed Forces warned of a potential threat in the country's airspace in several areas near the Russian border after an unidentified drone was spotted in the sky.
The Latvian military said it is continuously monitoring the airspace together with NATO allies to ensure an immediate response to potential threats.
The army also strengthened its air defense capabilities on the eastern border by deploying additional units there.
"As long as Russia's aggression in Ukraine continues, such incidents, where a foreign unmanned aerial vehicle enters or approaches Latvia's airspace, are possible," the statement said.
Residents were urged to take shelter, follow the "two-wall principle," and close windows and doors.
Later, the Latvian military said the air threat had been neutralized.
They also confirmed that one drone had entered Latvia's airspace before later leaving the country.
Fighter jets involved in NATO's Baltic Air Policing mission were deployed in response.
Drones over Latvia and Finland
As a reminder, on the night of May 7, unidentified drones violated Latvia’s airspace from the direction of Russia. The country’s air force reported that two drones had crashed.
According to local media, one of the drones hit an oil storage tank in the city of Rēzekne.
Meanwhile, Finland chose not to intercept drones that violated its airspace because they were flying too close to the border with Russia.
