Latvia says fighter jets have shot down drone that violated its airspace

Latvia issued an air-raid warning on the night of 13-14 August and shot down a drone that had violated the country's airspace, likely after Russian electronic warfare caused it to stray from its course.

Source: European Pravda, citing Latvian public broadcaster LSM

Details: The Latvian National Armed Forces said on the morning of 14 August that NATO fighter jets on patrol had successfully shot down a drone that had entered Latvian airspace as a result of Russian electronic warfare interference.

An air-raid warning previously issued in five areas of the country was lifted at 04:50.

"The threat to our airspace has ended. Allied fighter jets successfully shot down the unmanned aircraft," the Latvian National Armed Forces said.

The drone was shot down over Balvi Municipality in north-eastern Latvia.

A spokesperson for the Latvian National Armed Forces Joint Headquarters told Latvian Radio that the location of the drone's debris is known but will not be disclosed for the time being. The appropriate services are working at the site.

According to the spokesperson, the drone was shot down at high altitude, meaning its debris could have been scattered over a wide area.

Members of the public have been asked to call 112 (the unified emergency response centre in Latvia) if they notice anything suspicious.

Latvian officials have not so far commented officially on the drone's possible origin. However, Ukrainian drones were reported to have attacked the Russian port of Ust-Luga near St Petersburg again overnight. The shortest route to the port runs past the eastern borders of Latvia and Estonia.

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