Estonia sends police unit to Latvia–Belarus border

The PPA unit, designated ESTPOL11 and comprising 12 members, arrived in Latvia at the beginning of the week. The team includes police officers with medical capabilities, document experts, drone pilots, and two service dogs.

Veiko Kommusaar, Deputy Director General of the PPA, stated that approximately 50 migrants are apprehended daily with no signs of a decrease. He described the situation as a deliberate operation organized with Belarusian support, aimed at undermining border security and the general sense of safety.

The Latvian Border Guard requested assistance as migration pressure continued. Kommusaar noted that by helping Latvia, Estonia contributes to keeping the European Union's external border free from illegal activity.

ESTPOL11 commander Eduard Sarap said assisting Estonia's southern neighbors is an important experience for the team. Although there are currently no signs that the situation in Latvia could spread to Estonia's eastern border, he emphasized that the situation can change quickly. He highlighted the practical cooperation with Latvians as a good opportunity to learn how to repel a potential migration attack while providing real support to those in need.

ESTPOL11 will remain in Latvia until the end of June. The PPA has been sending units to the Latvian-Belarus border since 2021 to help prevent migrants from illegally crossing into the European Union.