Operation Vilkatis strengthens Latvia’s eastern border security

Illegal migration operation Vilkatis has been extended until October 3 to strengthen security along Latvia’s eastern border and significantly reduce illegal crossings, LSM reported. The operation was extended partly because an August storm seriously damaged border infrastructure, including the fence.

The storm destroyed entire sections of the 140-kilometre Latvia-Belarus fence. Valdis Jukšs, head of the Daugavpils administration of the State Border Guard, said 61 sites were damaged, including 23 critical locations. The total length of damaged fencing was estimated at about one kilometre.

Temporary repairs were made with barbed wire. Jukšs said the National Armed Forces provided support to prevent people from passing through the damaged sections easily. He noted that the fence does not stop every crossing, but delays people and gives border guards more time to respond.

Additional forces were deployed during Operation Vilkatis, and underground tunnels were discovered. Jukšs said hundreds of soldiers were now supporting the border guard, while police had also provided long-term assistance with 10 crews operating around the clock.

The increased presence has brought greater peace of mind to residents in the border area, although it has also caused inconveniences.