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An unidentified drone entered Latvian airspace early Friday morning, August 14. The aircraft was subsequently shot down by NATO fighter jets, according to the Latvian Armed Forces.
At around 4:09 a.m., Latvia’s military warned residents in the municipalities of Augšdaugava, Preiļi, Rēzekne and Balvi of an air threat.
The authorities urged people to immediately seek shelter indoors, follow the “two-wall” rule and monitor official updates.
Around half an hour later, the Latvian Armed Forces announced that the threat had been eliminated. NATO allied fighter jets had successfully intercepted and shot down the unmanned aircraft after it entered Latvian airspace.
The military said further information would be released through its official channels.
Previous drone incidents in Latvia
This is not the first time Latvia has faced a similar incident. On June 8, NATO fighter jets shot down an unidentified drone that had entered Latvian airspace. It was reported as the first such case involving NATO aircraft in Latvia.
Another drone incident occurred on May 23, when an unmanned aircraft fell into Lake Drīdzis and exploded after hitting the water.