Latvian security services practise vehicle checks in eastern border region

More than 400 soldiers and National Guard members are taking part in exercises in Latvia’s eastern border region, where security services are stopping and inspecting vehicles, LSM reported.

The exercises are not an emergency response. National Guard members and other security services are practising how to coordinate if a potential threat requires increased checks.

At mobile checkpoints, National Guard members work with the State Police to check people’s documents, vehicles and, if needed, luggage. The checkpoints move during the exercises, so drivers may encounter them at different points and more than once in a day.

Participants are also working with border guards to identify signs of possible illegal immigration, including suspicious objects and behaviour under stress. Drivers observed by Latvian Television were cooperative, the report said.