Full Breakdown
Latvia Launches “Operation Vilkatis” to Counter Irregular Migration from Belarus
8/12/2026, 1:12:32 AM
Core Event
Latvia announced the launch of a coordinated security initiative, dubbed Operation Vilkatis (“Werewolf”), to reinforce its eastern border with Belarus. The operation follows the recent discovery of an underground tunnel used by 15 migrants to cross the frontier illegally. The government plans to increase armed-forces support for border guards, expand drone and aircraft surveillance, and conduct more frequent vehicle checks in the border region.
Background & Context
Since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war, Latvia has described the flow of migrants from Belarus as a “hybrid threat” linked to Russian and Belarusian strategies. In mid-July, the country recorded 111 attempted illegal crossings in a single 24-hour period, a sharp rise compared with neighboring Lithuania, which logged only two attempts that day. The surge coincided with the run-up to Latvia’s parliamentary elections on 3 October, raising concerns that Minsk might be exploiting migration to destabilize the region.
Data & Statistics
- Border length with Belarus: 173 km (107 mi).
- Migrants intercepted via tunnel: 15 (arrested).
- Single-day attempted crossings (mid-July): 111.
- Comparison: Lithuania’s 679-km border saw two attempts; Poland reported none.
Official Statements & Responses
He warned that criminal networks are using Belarus as a conduit to bring migrants into the Schengen area, stating that Latvia must not become “the easiest place” to enter the EU.
He also indicated that the government is evaluating options such as closing the Paternieki checkpoint, though security considerations currently outweigh economic concerns.
Defense Minister Raivis Melnis highlighted that manpower alone is insufficient for the densely forested frontier and announced the deployment of thermal-equipped drones and low-altitude aircraft.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It is now the fifth year since hostilities began and Russia has been using Latvia’s border as an element of hybrid warfare,” — Andris Kulbergs, latvia’s prime minister
- “The protection of Latvia's eastern border will be strengthened, with closer cooperation between the Border Guard, State Police, National Armed Forces and security services, and more intensive use of drones for early detection and detention of illegal migrants,” — Interior Minister Janis Dombrava
- “They migrate to where it's easier (to enter the EU). So we must not be the easiest place,” — Andris Kulbergs, latvia’s prime minister
- “I want to tell the organisers: everything will be put to an end.” — Andris Kulbergs, latvia’s prime minister
- “It is the first tunnel of its kind in Latvia,” — Interior Janis Dombrava, interior minister
Timeline
- 19 June 2026 (occurred): Prime Minister Kulbergs attended the EU summit in Brussels, raising the issue of border security.
- Mid-July (generalized): Record of 111 attempted crossings recorded.
- Early August (generalized): Discovery of the 15-person tunnel near the Silene crossing.
- 11 August 2026 (scheduled): Latvia is set to announce publicly the tunnel discovery and the launch of Operation Vilkatis.
What’s Next
The government will continue to assess additional security measures, including the possible closure of the Paternieki checkpoint, and will expand electronic searches for further underground passages. Coordination with Estonia, Lithuania and Poland is slated to deepen, aiming to create a unified Baltic shield against further irregular migration.
