Story perspectives

Latvia launches Operation Vilkatis against Belarus migration surge

8/12/2026

Summary

Story summary

Andris Kulbergs announced on 11 August 2026 the launch of Operation Vilkatis to counter illegal migration from Belarus.
Border guards uncovered a 10-metre tunnel at Silene used by 15 migrants; the operation will deploy armed forces, drones, helicopters and aircraft on eastern border.
Kulbergs called the surge a hybrid threat after 111 attempted crossings in one day, and Latvia will coordinate with Estonia, Lithuania and Poland under Colonel Arvis Zile.

History

Historical Context

The 2015 European migrant crisis, in which about 80 % of arrivals fled Syria, Iraq or Afghanistan and most entered via Greece, prompted the EU to rely on Frontex for border patrols and tighten controls. Building on that multinational response, Latvia’s defence minister Andris Kulbergs announced Operation Vilkatis in August 2026, deploying troops and drones to curb crossings from Belarus. The move mirrors earlier EU-wide enforcement.

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Story summary

Andris Kulbergs announced on 11 August 2026 the launch of Operation Vilkatis to counter illegal migration from Belarus.
Border guards uncovered a 10-metre tunnel at Silene used by 15 migrants; the operation will deploy armed forces, drones, helicopters and aircraft on eastern border.
Kulbergs called the surge a hybrid threat after 111 attempted crossings in one day, and Latvia will coordinate with Estonia, Lithuania and Poland under Colonel Arvis Zile.

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