Latvia Extends Border Operation Vilkaitis Through December to Curb Illegal Migration from Belarus
Latvian authorities have extended Operation Vilkaitis on the eastern border until December 31, to maintain heightened security against illegal migration, eng.lsm.lv reported on Tuesday, October 6. The State Chancellery confirmed the extension as security agencies continue monitoring the Latvian-Belarusian border to prevent unauthorized crossings.
The flow of migrants from Belarus surged sharply in the spring. In March, border guards apprehended 306 violators, while April figures rose to nearly 1,700, according to State Border Guard data cited by eng.lsm.lv. The peak occurred in June and July, with more than 4,600 third-country nationals attempting illegal entry.
In response to the mounting pressure, Operation Werewolf launched on August 11, bringing a coordinated multi-agency approach to the frontier. Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs told reporters at the launch that significant preventive measures were underway to minimize migrant flows at the European Union’s external border, baltictimes.com reported. Interior Minister Janis Dombrava noted that officials evaluated closing the Paternieki border crossing, though authorities ultimately focused resources on broader technical measures and patrols outside specific checkpoints.
The combined enforcement efforts reduced monthly apprehensions. September saw 1,244 attempted entries, dropping below April levels. Nearly 12,000 total offenders have been intercepted since the beginning of the year, matching the total volume recorded across the entire previous year.
Border Guard Tactics and Regional Cooperation Along the Eastern Frontier
Border violators continue employing diverse methods to breach the perimeter, including tall ladders, cut fences, and underground tunnels, eng.lsm.lv reported. Colonel Valdis Jukšs, Head of the Daugavpils Regional Directorate of the State Border Guard, noted that migrants have also attempted crossing the Daugava River by boat. Authorities received reports regarding another possible tunnel but have not yet discovered the structure, following the detection of two previous tunnels.
Colonel Jukšs confirmed that Operation Werewolf proved its importance by reducing the migrant flow. He thanked local residents for reporting suspicious individuals and vehicles. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Kulbergs and Interior Minister Dombrava emphasized that military exercises in Selija and Latgale involving NATO allies supported broader regional defense readiness while strengthening the border sector, according to baltictimes.com coverage.
Latvia Extends Border Security Operations Through the Year
Defence Minister Raivis Melnis stated that the armed forces and Ministry of Defence will continue supporting the State Border Guard and police. The extended operation provides agencies time to introduce new technologies and strengthen eastern border capabilities.
Operation Werewolf was initially scheduled to run through August before receiving an extension into October, leading up to the government’s October 6 decision to maintain Operation Vilkaitis through the end of the calendar year. Officials have not disclosed the financial cost of Operation Werewolf.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Latvia-Belarus Border Operations
Why did Latvia launch Operation Werewolf in August?
The operation launched on August 11 to address a sharp rise in illegal border crossings from Belarus that peaked during June and July, when more than 4,600 third-country nationals attempted to enter Latvia illegally, according to eng.lsm.lv.
How have border security forces stopped illegal crossings?
State Border Guard units have intercepted migrants using tall ladders, cut sections of fencing, and boats on the Daugava River, as well as investigating underground tunnels dug beneath the border barrier.
What role do military forces play in the border restrictions?
The Ministry of Defence and the National Armed Forces support the State Border Guard and police with personnel, technical capabilities, and scheduled military exercises in Selija and Latgale, according to reporting from baltictimes.com and eng.lsm.lv.
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