Latvia's State Border Guard calls to extend migration crackdown

Guntis Pujāts, head of the State Border Guard of Latvia, has called for the continuation of ‘Operation Vilkatis,’ a reinforced security operation aimed at curbing illegal migration along the country's eastern border.

The operation, launched on August 11, involves synchronized efforts between border guards, police, and military personnel. Pujāts noted that the intensified efforts are yielding results, including a decrease in the number of violators and the apprehension of two smugglers. He also highlighted that no illegal border crossers moving through Latvia have been caught in Lithuania or Estonia during this period.

Pujāts expressed confidence that Belarus is supporting the pressure of illegal migration against Latvia. He warned that the number of incidents and provocations at the border may increase in the short term due to the proximity of Saeima elections, as hostile actors may seek to influence the outcome. However, he anticipates a potential lull following the elections and as colder weather approaches.