Masked and armed men entered Latvia from Belarus, damaged an electrical panel, and stole surveillance cameras / Latvia's Foreign Minister: A “particularly blatant and aggressive” provocation

Latvia has stepped up security measures at its border with Belarus after several masked and armed men illegally entered the country, damaged an electrical panel and stole surveillance cameras. The suspects fled before border guards arrived, according to Latvian authorities.

The incident was reportedly preceded by an attempt to illegally bring at least 20 migrants into Latvia. The group directed and pushed them, and when they encountered Latvian soldiers, the individuals allegedly threatened to use force. Authorities described the action as an aggressive provocation and warned that such incidents could have serious consequences for Belarus.

The Latvian armed forces say the episode confirms the continuation of deliberate provocations and hybrid threats along the external border of the European Union and NATO. Since 2021, European countries have accused Belarus of using illegal migration to exert pressure on the EU’s borders.

Tensions have intensified in recent months. On July 22, Latvian troops used warning shots and tear gas against migrants. On July 31, the border crossing with Belarus was temporarily suspended, and in August two clandestine tunnels were discovered, one of which was used by 15 people.