RIGA, June 8 (LETA) - A possible airspace threat has been issued in Aluksne, Ludza, Balvi and Rezekne municipalities, as well as Rezekne city, LETA was informed by the National Armed Forces.

As regards the Ludza and Rezekne municipalities, the Armed Forces calls on people to stay indoors, observe the two-walls principle and follow official announcements. If a low-flying or suspicious object is spotted, people should not approach it, but call 112.

The Armed Forces also informed that NATO Baltic Air Policing Mission fighters have been activated.

The Armed Forces reminded that together with NATO allies they constantly monitor the airspace to ensure the ability to react immediately to potential threats. The Armed Forces have also reinforced its air defense capabilities on the eastern border by deploying additional units.

As already reported, on June 3 an alert was issued about a possible airspace threat in the Aluksne municipality. At that time, the fighters of the NATO Baltic Air Policing Mission that were activated did not receive confirmation that the object detected by the sensors was an unmanned aerial vehicle.

It was also reported that in May, residents in Latgale and Vidzeme received several cell broadcast warnings about possible airspace threats. These were related to UAVs entering Latvia, some drones also crashed and exploded, and a drone was shot down by a NATO Baltic Air Patrol Mission fighter over Estonia.

These drone incidents were most likely related to drones involved in the Russia-Ukraine war landing or entering Latvian airspace.

One of these incidents cost the post of Defense Minister Andris Spruds (Progressives), and soon afterwards the entire government of Evikas Silina (New Unity) fell.