Drone neutralization demolition work continues in Rugāji parish, Latvia

Demolition work to neutralize a drone in Rugāji parish, Latvia, is ongoing into Saturday morning, the Ministry of Defence announced. The controlled explosions, which residents in the area may hear, are part of a planned operation by specialists from the National Armed Forces' Unexploded Ordnance Neutralization unit.

Residents have been advised that no additional safety measures are necessary, as the specialists are following strict safety requirements and procedures. The operation is a continuation of actions taken after a foreign drone was detected in Latvian airspace on Friday. The drone had entered Latvian territory as a result of electronic warfare conducted by Russia.

On Friday, allied NATO fighter jets successfully shot down the unidentified drone over Rugāji in the Balvi municipality. An airspace threat was initially declared for several municipalities, including Augšdaugava, Preiļi, Rēzekne, Balvi, and Alūksne, starting at 4:00 AM. The potential airspace threat was lifted across all five municipalities by 4:50 AM.

The National Armed Forces continue to monitor Latvian airspace and are prepared to respond immediately to potential threats in cooperation with NATO allies. The incident highlights ongoing security concerns in the region, particularly related to Russian military activities.