Latvian soldiers use tear gas, warning shot after being pelted with wooden sticks at Belarus border

In the past 24 hours, soldiers of the National Armed Forces (NBS) were providing support to the State Border Guard on Latvia's eastern border when they encountered a group of aggressive individuals. Upon noticing the soldiers, the individuals acted hostile and began throwing wooden sticks at them. To stop the illegal activities and prevent the situation from escalating, the soldiers deployed tear gas. Despite the use of tear gas, the individuals continued to ignore lawful orders and maintain aggressive behavior, leading the soldiers to fire one warning shot into the air. After the shot, the individuals retreated back into Belarusian territory.

The NBS described the incident as another provocation on the Latvia-Belarus border. The NBS emphasized that Belarus continues to use illegal migration as a hybrid warfare tool. This incident is the latest in a series of provocations highlighting the tense situation along the border. The NBS will continue to provide support to the State Border Guard to ensure border security and respond to potential provocations.