Latvia declares possible airspace threat in Krāslava Municipality

Latvia has declared a possible airspace threat in Krāslava Municipality, LSM reported. Residents of the municipality received a cell broadcast alert, according to the National Armed Forces. Fighter jets assigned to NATO’s Baltic air policing mission have been activated.

No additional action is currently required. If the situation changes, residents will receive another cell broadcast message with instructions.

Two levels of warnings

The National Armed Forces has previously said that, while Russia’s aggression against Ukraine continues, foreign unmanned aircraft may again enter or approach Latvian airspace.

The authorities use two levels of cell broadcast alerts. A yellow warning is an information notice that does not require immediate action but tells residents to stay informed about a possible threat to Latvian airspace. An orange warning indicates a confirmed threat and requires residents to act immediately according to the instructions provided.

Safety guidance

People in the threatened area who are indoors should shelter in a place with at least two walls between them and the outside of the building. Those in cars should assess the situation, continue to a safe location or leave the vehicle immediately, move away from the road and seek the nearest shelter.

If an explosion is heard, people should remain indoors and stay away from windows and doors. After an explosion, rooms should be left only after receiving instructions from the responsible authorities, or no earlier than 10 minutes after the last explosion.

When resuming travel, people should proceed slowly and assess the safety of their route. Photos and videos should not be posted on social media, as this could spread disinformation and reveal defence positions.

People should go to the nearest shelter, such as a basement or designated shelter, only if the early warning system indicates that they need to do so.