Drone Possibly Detonates in Lithuania Near Latvian Border; Alerts Issued in Three Latvian Municipalities
On the morning of Sunday, 18 October, an unidentified drone possibly detonated in northern Lithuania, close to the Latvian border. Alerts were issued in Latvia's Bauska, Aizkraukle and Ogre municipalities.
An unidentified object, possibly an unmanned aerial vehicle or drone, was detected in Lithuanian airspace on the morning of Sunday, 18 October. The incident took place in the Pasvalys district of northern Lithuania, close to the Latvian border. Because of a high likelihood that the object could enter Latvian territory, warnings were also issued in three Latvian municipalities, according to Latvia's National Armed Forces (NBS).
Alerts and warnings
The object was spotted in Lithuanian airspace between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m., and an air alert was declared in several Lithuanian regions. In Latvia, the cell broadcast warning system, which sends alerts to mobile phones, was activated in the Bauska, Aizkraukle and Ogre municipalities.
Fighter jet response
In response to the possible threat, fighter jets of the NATO air defence mission were scrambled. According to currently available information, they did not shoot down the suspected drone. The NBS says it is possible that the object detonated on its own.
Investigation
Lithuanian police are working at the scene, carrying out an initial investigation and collecting evidence. The origin of the object and the cause of the possible explosion have not yet been established. The responsible services continue to look into the circumstances of the incident.
The source does not mention any casualties or damage.
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