Latvia Warns Residents of Drone in Its Airspace, Urges Shelter

The Latvian National Armed Forces, or NBS, issued an alert to residents after detecting at least one unmanned aerial vehicle in its airspace.

The NBS initially warned of a possible threat over the eastern regions of Ludza, Krāslava, Rēzekne, and Augšdaugava, before confirming the drone.

"Seek shelter indoors, close windows and doors… If you notice a low-flying, suspicious, or dangerous object, do not approach it and call 112," the NBS stated. Additional units have been deployed to Latvia's eastern border to strengthen air capabilities.

This follows an incident Wednesday where Lithuania's Vilnius airport temporarily shut down after a suspected drone threat from Belarus. NATO jets were scrambled to identify the threat.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen condemned the actions, stating: "Russia's public threats against our Baltic States are completely unacceptable… Russia and Belarus bear direct responsibility for drones endangering the lives and security of people on our Eastern flank."