Operation "Vilkatis" in Silene: Border Activities Barely Change Local Routine; Success to Be Measured by Drop in Irregular Migration
Operation "Vilkatis" began on 11 August on Latvia's eastern border and will run until the end of the month. The responsible services plan to increase their presence and use more technology, while residents of Silene say their daily routine remains largely unaffected.
Operation "Vilkatis" has been under way on Latvia's eastern border since 11 August and will continue until the end of the month. The authorities have promised to expand their presence and employ additional technological tools in the fight against irregular migration.
The Latgale editorial team of LSM visited Silene, a village in Augšdaugava municipality located just eight kilometres from the border, to see whether local residents have noticed the special operation and whether it has any impact on their daily lives. So far, the operation appears to have caused no significant disruption in the village. People continue their normal activities, and the increased border activity has not changed local routines in a noticeable way.
The main aim of the operation is to prevent irregular border crossings. According to the plans, both more officers and more modern equipment will be deployed. While the visible effects on everyday life in Silene are minimal, the authorities say the success of the operation will be judged by a decrease in irregular migration. Thus, the focus is on measurable results at the border rather than on the visibility of law enforcement activities.
The special operation is scheduled to last until the end of August. For Silene, which lies close to the eastern frontier, the presence of border services is now greater, but residents have not experienced major changes. The operation's success will be evaluated after it concludes.
